Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, there are more than 700,000 Virginians who are Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders, including those who are new immigrants, first and second generation and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the Commonwealth and reflect a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the Commonwealth of Virginia represents a vital piece of our diverse ethnic and social fabric whose languages, cultures and religious beliefs have enriched communities in all parts of the state; and

WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander men and women have made valuable contributions to all areas of the Commonwealth including government, business, arts, sciences, medicine, law enforcement, and the military; and

WHEREAS, through their love of family and community, hard work, and ingenuity, our Asian American and Pacific Islander citizens make our Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family, strengthening the Spirit of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and remembers the essential contributions, sacrifices and accomplishments that Asian American and Pacific Islanders have made to Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2023, as ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations