HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
The month of May was selected as a way to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843. May also marks the anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, which was completed in May 1869 largely using the labor of Chinese immigrants.
Since 1992, May has been designated to recognize the personal achievements and valuable contributions to the American story by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We celebrate the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages, and unique experiences represented among more than 56 ethnic groups (speaking over 100 languages) from Asia and the Pacific Islands who live in the United States.
This year, Team Hill will recognize Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month by hosting a festival on from 4-7 p.m. May 17 at Centennial Park. The keynote speaker will be Chief Master Sgt. Maribeth O. Ferrer, Superintendent of the 75th Medical Group at Hill AFB. She has been an active member of the AAPI Committee for her entire 22-year military career and said she is excited to share her experiences and heritage with Hill.
Come and join us for cultural awareness, information booths, and entertainment featuring martial arts, musical performances, cultural dances, a Haka War Cry and much more.
The famous Disney Princess character, Moana, will be in attendance to take photos with children. There will also be plenty of delicious food from local Filipino and Hawaiian vendors. The event is free; however, meal tickets are limited. Cost is one ticket for $12 or three tickets for $30.
For more information or to purchase meal tickets, email hillafbaapi@gmail.com. You can also contact me at edgar.b.villaruel.mil@mail.mil or at 801-586-6089; Master Sgt. Ron Capulong at ronald.capulong@us.af.mil or at 801-777-9681; Staff Sgt. Paul Calica at paul.p.calica.mil@mail.mil or at 801-777-1078; or Staff Sgt. Vincent Lopez at vincent.lopez.6@us.af.mil or at 801-777-1119.
