EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month kicked off here May 2 with a proclamation and an AANHPI-themed luncheon.
A proclamation signed by Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, 96th Test Wing commander, states in part: “during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, our Nation recognizes the innumerable contributions, vibrant cultures, and rich heritage of AANHPI people. This year’s theme offers an invitation to remember and celebrate leaders of AANHPI descent throughout American history. As one of the fastest-growing racial and ethnic groups in the Nation, AANHPI communities represent a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and experiences that enrich America and strengthen our Union.”
This year’s AANHPI theme is “Advancing Leadership Through Opportunity.”
Since 1977, the month of May was designated to recognize the achievements and contributions to the American story by AANHPI people. Cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages, and unique experiences are represented among more than 56 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages, from Asia and the Pacific Islands who live in the United States.
The month of May denotes several events in AANHPI history, including the immigration of the first Japanese people to the U.S. May 7, 1843. The finalization of the transcontinental railroad was accomplished May 10, 1869 by predominantly Chinese immigrants.
While these AANHPI communities have roots that span the globe, their success stories are uniquely American. Generations of AANHPI people helped develop and defend the U.S., often in the face of tremendous racial and cultural prejudice.
Presently, 33 AANHPI people earned the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military honor.
This observance offers the opportunity to honor, recognize, and celebrate the rich diversity, leadership, and enduring empowerment of all AANHPI people, and their dedicated service and contributions to the betterment of our nation.
Here is the schedule of events:
- Cooking Lessons – West Gate Chapel Annex, May 10, 17, 23, 6 to 7 p.m. each day. Learn to cook various AANHPI dishes. Free. For more information, call 882-8614.
- Movie Night - Post’l Point, May 12, 7 p.m. – “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Rings” is the featured movie. Free. For more information, call 882-4766.
- Food Truck Rally – CE Pavilion, May 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food trucks will offer AANHPI cuisine for purchase. Ethnic dances and martial arts demonstrations are also featured.
- Egg rolls and gaming event – USO, May 20, noon to 6 p.m. AANHPI-themed games and Asian food offered. Free. For more information, call 882-8614.
The Breeze Dining Facility will offer AANHPI-themed specials in May. For more information, call 882-8614.
The base exchange and commissary will offer displays and AANHPI-related products throughout May. For more information, call 882-8614.
Video highlights of personnel in government service are available on various social media platforms throughout May. For more information, call 882-8614.