FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- May is a month to celebrate and honor the accomplishments that generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders have made throughout history. This month was also chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese people to the U.S. in June 1843.

Like most commemorative months, APAHM originated in a congressional bill, and was chosen to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad by many Chinese laborers on May 10, 1869.

Team Fairchild is holding several events to educate others about the history of Asian and showcase Pacific Islander leaders. The theme this month is "Diverse Leadership + Expanding Opportunity: An Imperative for America."

"May is a month to recognize the contributions that have made by Asians and Pacific Islander Americans," said 1st Lt. Sean Huie, 92nd Medical Support Squadron Logistics flight commander. "In 1977, the first ten days of May was proclaimed as APAHM Week. Twelve years later, President George H.W. Bush signed an extension making the week-long celebration into a month-long celebration."

APHM kicks off with two events on May 12 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Youth Center for kids and May 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Red Morgan Center for Airmen and their families.

"Kids will be doing arts and crafts, which will be displayed at the Red Morgan Center for their parents and other Airmen to see on the main event May 14," Huie said. "We will then have dances, kid art/hall exhibits, martial arts demonstrations, music and food from all over Asia on May 14 for Fairchild families to enjoy."

According to Huie, the APAHM committee's goal for these events is to bring Fairchild Airmen and their families together to educate and celebrate with entertainment and food they have prepared.

"It's important to reflect and commemorate those who have come before us," said Huie. "Come out and join us as we celebrate this month with festivities!"

For more information, call 1st Lt. Sean Huie at (509) 247-3845.

[Editors note: Information in this article was attained from www.asianpacificheritage.gov.]