US passes resolution on Taiwanese heritage week

US passes resolution on Taiwanese heritage week
ENRICHED FABRIC: The first Taiwan-born member of the US Congress and 26 others sponsored the resolution to commemorate Taiwanese-American week
By William Lowther

TAIPEI TIMES

STAFF REPORTER IN WASHINGTON
Saturday, May 15, 2010, Page 3

The US Congress has adopted a resolution to commemorate Taiwanese-American Heritage Week and recognize the "significant contributions of Taiwanese Americans and the important role they play in strengthening the fabric of United States society."

A resolution was introduced this week by Oregon Democrat David Wu  — the first Taiwan-born US member of Congress — and was supported by 26 co-sponsors.

It names a number of prominent Taiwanese-Americans including Lee Yuan-tseh, 1986 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry; Min Kao, co-founder and chairman of Garmin Ltd; Vienna Teng, popular musician and songwriter; and Jason Wu , the fashion designer who created first lady Michelle Obama's inaugural gown.

Taiwanese-American Heritage Week was started 11 years ago by the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA).

"Taiwanese Americans have greatly enriched the fabric of American society and the mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and Taiwan. I encourage Congress and the American people to absorb the legacy, culture and achievements of the Taiwanese American community," Wu said.

Taiwanese-American Heritage Week is celebrated in mid-May.

When the week was first celebrated in 1999, then-president Bill Clinton said in a letter to FAPA: "Americans of Taiwan descent can be proud of their roots and of their vital role in the continued growth of our nation. This observance offers us an opportunity to learn more about the outstanding contributions that men and women from Taiwan have made to our nation and the world."

FAPA President Bob Yang  said this week: "The industriousness, ingenuity and innovation of the people of Taiwan and of Taiwanese Americans have contributed to Taiwan's economic miracle. It has become a classic success story in international economics text books."

"Their quest and aspiration for human rights and freedom led to Taiwan's political miracle. Taiwan's transition to democracy has become a shining example in and for the region," he said.