Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution in 1978 to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first week of May. This date was chosen because two important anniversaries occurred during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869.

In 1990 Congress voted to expand it from a week to a month long celebration and in May 1992, the month of May was permanently designated as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. In Cleveland a celebration was held on May 26, 2011.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Day banner in Cleveland City Hall

Michael Sreshta, board member of Federation of India Community Associations (FICA) served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Michael Sreshta

Students from Lincoln West High School served as color guard for the ceremony and paraded into the Rotunda with flags of Asian nations.

Lincoln West High School students parade of Flags

Lincoln West High School Color Guard

The students were introduced by and under the direction of their teacher Toan Huynh.

Lincoln West teacher Toan Huynh

Lincoln West student Deanna Figueroa sang the National Anthem.

Lincoln West student Deanna Figueroa

Dr. Rev. Robert Suh of the Korean Central Baptist Church offered a prayer for the victims of the Japanese tsunami.

Dr. Rev. Robert Suh of the Korean Central Baptist Church

Professor Dar Singhji of Guru Nanank Foundation also offered a prayer for the victims.

Professor Dar Singhji of Guru Nanank Foundation

Event Chair Le Nguyen made some opening remarks

Friendship Foundation President Gia Hoa Ryan introduced Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.

Friendship Foundation President Gia Hoa Ryan

Mayor Jackson presented a proclamation to Margaret Wong.

Margaret Wong and Mayor Frank Jackson

Page 2 of Asian Pacific American Heritage Day

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Asian Pacific American Heritage DayCleveland City Hall RotundaMay 26, 2011

Asian Pacific American Heritage Day
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
May 26, 2011