KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to celebrate our nation’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander service members and veterans throughout the month of May – Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
The month’s designation encompasses more than 50 ethnic or linguistic groups living in the United States and its territories. Since the first Japanese immigrants arrived to mainland America on May 7, 1843, people from Asian countries and islands throughout the Pacific Ocean made significant and lasting contributions to the nation. Though their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice in the U.S., they built large expanses of infrastructure, advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, broadened the arts and humanities, pressed for social and political changes, and secured freedom and democracy, both at home and abroad. Their unique American experience is a legacy that makes our Nation’s history that much richer.
Throughout the month of May, the VFW will spotlight the service stories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander veterans and their invaluable service to our military and society.