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Last updated: July 21, 2008
News
Norfolk District Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage
May 14, 2008
By Brittany Brown
Norfolk District Public Affairs
FORT NORFOLK , Va. – Norfolk District welcomed Dr. Manuel Hipol of Virginia Beach as guest speaker for the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Program. As a first generation Asian Pacific American who migrated to the United States in 1966, Dr. Hipol's message to the District included themes of acculturation, diversity, patriotism and achieving the American Dream.
In tune with Hipol's remarks about patriotism, the District's singing group, the Corpsaleers, provided a melodic version of the Pledge of Allegiance as attendees stood at attention, facing the American flag in reverence with their right hands placed over their hearts.
Hipol pointed out the unwavering patriotism of Filipino Americans who, as the largest southeast Asian group in the U.S. , continuously join the various branches of armed forces and make invaluable contributions to the American healthcare and educational systems. Dr. Hipol is deeply involved in the Hampton Roads Asian Pacific American community as the founder of the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater, the School of Creative and Performing Arts and the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia. The Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia is a hub of various Filipino American activities such as social gatherings, youth and senior citizens programs, religious, health and preventive programs in addition to other community activities. Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf has recognized the significance of the center saying, "The Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia is the heart of the Asian Pacific Americans in Hampton Roads."
The month of May has been designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month since October 28, 1992, when the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously supported the law. This law was enacted to honor the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans and to recognize their invaluable contributions to the country. May was selected for the recognition because two significant events in history took place in that month: Japanese immigrants first arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869.