WHEREAS, nearly 86,000 persons who trace their roots to Asia and the Pacific Islands make their home in Alaska; and

WHEREAS, the languages, beliefs, and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders enrich our communities and our State; and

WHEREAS, we respect the heritage and traditions of all cultures in Alaska, and we are proud to be Alaskans with a diverse ethnic heritage; and

WHEREAS, generations of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have contributed to our State through their love of family, community, and hard work, and we are especially grateful for their military and public service; and

WHEREAS, on May 25, 2024, we have an opportunity to experience these cultures through the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Cultural Flag Day celebration, held to commemorate the first raising of the American Flag on Tutuila Island in American Samoa on April 17, 1900, the arrival of first Japanese to this Nation on May 7, 1843, and the Chinese workers who helped build the transcontinental railroad, which was completed on May 10, 1869; and

WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an occasion to recognize and appreciate the history, culture, and achievements of Alaska’s Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2024 as:

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures and the many contributions they have made to Alaska and our nation.