Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2021

Dear Colleagues,

Each May, we observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent have made enormous contributions to our country, and they continue to do so every single day. Of course, members of the AAPI community trace their heritage to Asia and the Pacific, including the great state of Hawaii. This region comprises many ethnicities, heritages, and traditions, making it one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the United States. Members of the AAPI community trace their roots to more than 30 different countries and ethnic groups, and they speak more than 100 languages and dialects. As Secretary McDonough noted in his message to all VA employees in March, this wonderful diversity makes our nation that much stronger.

Today, more than 21 million Americans identify as members of the AAPI community. Vice President Harris, a member herself, was raised by an Indian American mother. Her ascension to the second highest office in the land exemplifies the vital role of AAPIs in the rich fabric of the American mosaic. At VA, 30,000 of our employees identify as AAPI. They, and you, are an invaluable part of our VA family. I am proud to serve alongside all of you. More than 60,000 active duty Service members, and 300,000 Veterans, are also members of the AAPI community. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders first began serving in our military during the War of 1812. They have served with valor in every war since, receiving numerous Medals of Honor and Congressional Gold Medals.

But far too often, AAPI accomplishments have been overlooked or seen merely as a footnote in our history. During the nineteenth century, thousands of laborers from China literally helped build our country. They toiled for long and grueling hours, day after day, constructing the transcontinental railroad, which enabled tremendous strides in commerce and travel. Later, members of the AAPI community were targeted by discriminatory laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1924. During World War II, Asian Americans fought with courage abroad to defend our freedoms, while being treated with cruelty here at home. Japanese Americans—our own countrymen—were forced to live in internment camps, one of the great stains on our nation’s history.

Yet many joined the Armed Forces during World War II to defend our country. Japanese Americans served with the Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Battalion, both highly decorated units during the war. Filipino Americans, Korean Americans, and more than 20,000 Chinese Americans also contributed to the war effort. Despite their extraordinary bravery, only one Japanese American received the Medal of Honor during the war. Fifty-five years after the war, President Clinton presented the medal to 20 Japanese Americans who had been denied the honor. “They risked their lives above and beyond the call of duty,” the President said during the ceremony at the White House. “And in so doing, they did more than defend America. In the face of painful prejudice, they helped define America at its best.”

We have come a long way, but our work is far from over. AAPIs have unfairly been labeled as a “model minority,” when we know they often experience all kinds of hardship. Many face linguistic, educational, economic and immigration obstacles that can impede achievement of their highest potential. In the years following September 11th, members of the AAPI community from South Asia, particularly Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims, were the victims of harassment and violence, simply because of their names, clothing or religion. The last few months have given rise to a deeply disturbing increase in violence directed toward the AAPI community, especially those who trace their roots to East and Southeast Asia. This trend is sickening and must stop. Discrimination and violence, especially when aimed at a particular racial or ethnic group, has no place in our country. President Biden has established several initiatives to combat racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against AAPIs.

We must all do our part to support the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including AAPI Veterans, and make clear that we stand together with them. AAPI contributions to government, education, business, science, the arts, and the Armed Forces are truly remarkable. This amazing blend of cultures makes our nation strong and vibrant and will do so for generations to come. This year, more than ever, it is critical that we take the time to recognize the incredible accomplishments of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and honor their rich contributions to the United States of America.

DAVID ISAACKS, FACHE