The National Infantry Museum, along with the rest of the nation, celebrates Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.

The joint congressional resolution from 1978 established this observance to commemorate both anniversaries – the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and completion of the transcontinental railroad.

This designation encompasses more than 50 ethnic or language groups, including native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

We recently had visitors from American Samoa, who chose the museum as the venue to celebrate their Army re-enlistment & promotion.

Asian-American and Pacific Islanders have been part of America’s Army since its earliest stages – they’ve served with courage and devotion during the Civil War as well as contemporary operations around the world.

We honor them for their contributions to our national defense in both military and civilian roles. With a total of 28 Asian subsets and 19 Pacific Islander subsets, their impact is unmistakable.

Let us celebrate this momentous month together!