WHEREAS, in 1978, Congress designated the first ten days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, later amended to a seven-day observance beginning May 4 and signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, and expanded in 1992 to a month-long annual commemoration; and 
 
WHEREAS, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community includes individuals with heritage from across the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia; and 
 
WHEREAS, the month of May is designated in recognition of two significant milestones —, May 7, 1843, marking the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States, and May 10,1869, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad; and  
 
WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals have made profound contributions to American life across the fields of science, education, business, technology, the arts, and government; and  
 
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes and values the rich cultural heritage and enduring impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals throughout the Commonwealth; and  
 
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive Virginia, in which Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, together with persons of all backgrounds, are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect; and  
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.