Recognizing October as Filipino American History Month

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, October is Filipino American History month, a month dedicated to honoring the achievements of a people that have contributed significantly to American history and culture. Filipino Americans have had a long and important presence in the United States and have played a substantial role in shaping the current American landscape.

* During Filipino American History month, we pay tribute to Filipino culture and customs and as we honor Filipino traditions and heritage. Filipino Americans continue to contribute to American society and are leaders in all aspects of American life, serving as lawyers, doctors, artists, writers, elected officials, teachers, and members of the armed forces. Filipino Americans reside in nearly every Congressional district in the United States, continuing to enrich our culture bringing new ideas and innovation to our nation.

* As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to represent one of the largest Filipino communities in the United States. Relations between the United States and the countries of the Pacific Rim are extremely important and this is why only a few short months ago, I introduced H. Res. 275, my annual resolution honoring the anniversary of the independence of the Philippines. This resolution reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which exist between the United States and the Philippines as well as a strong commitment to strengthening these bonds. In addition, H. Res. 275 seeks to increase public awareness of the vibrant and beautiful culture of the Philippines and support the continuing development of the Filipino American community as an integral part of America's cultural fabric.

* Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to represent the people of the 37th Congressional District of California, which is one of the most ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse congressional districts in the country. This is especially true of Carson, one of the major cities in the 37th congressional district. Southern California, which includes Carson, is home to one of the largest Filipino American populations in the country and is considered a preferred destination for Filipinos looking to start a new life in our country.

* As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, I am proud to announce that the City of Carson will be receiving a special monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, a decorated Filipino national hero. The Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Movement (JPRMM) Inc., has offered to donate the monument to Carson for placement in the City's International Sculpture Garden.

* Mr. Speaker, Dr. Jose Rizal was a proponent of democracy and peaceful reforms during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 1800s. He advocated for liberty through peaceful means rather than by violent revolution and was considered by Mohandas Gandhi as a forerunner in the cause for freedom.

* Dr. Rizal was executed by the Spanish on December 30, 1896, a date which is marked annually as ``Rizal Day,'' a Filipino national holiday. After his execution, Dr. Rizal became a martyr in the fight for Filipino independence and his commitment to nonviolent reform served as inspiration for the Filipino people and many others around the world.

* Mr. Speaker, the benefits that the Dr. Jose P. Rizal monument will bring to my district and the city of Carson especially are substantial. The monument will chronicle the rich history and significant contributions made by Filipino Americans to the City of Carson, the state of California, and the United States as well as promote the diversity and interests of Carson residents comprising of various nationalities, races and ethnicities.

* In addition, the Rizal monument will remind Filipino Americans of the democratic underpinnings of the Filipino heritage and encourage Filipinos from all over California, as well as the United States to visit Carson to pay homage to the national hero.

* I applaud the efforts of Carson for according a place of honor to Dr. Jose Rizal. He continues to be recognized globally for his efforts to bring freedom, liberation and justice through peaceful means to all peoples. His leadership, patriotism, and dedication to his country should serve as inspiration to us all.

* Mr. Speaker, during Filipino American History Month I encourage all Americans to take time to recognize the contributions of Dr. Jose Rizal as well as the achievements of Filipino Americans that have helped to make our country better. The best way to honor Filipino American History Month is to continue to cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that strengthens this nation.

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