I had the honor and privilege to speak on behalf of Multnomah Counties Proclamation of Asian-American, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. Here is a summary of what I shared.

I'd like for us to remember the hundreds and thousands of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders that sacrifice and serve in our armed forces to protect the lives of every man, woman, and child in Oregon and the United States. I would like to remind everyone of the rich culture and traditions that AANHPI contributes to the enrichment of Oregon.

I'd like to remind everyone of the AANHPI contributions as day laborers, shop keepers, bakers and cooks, to laborers in iron, wood, and paper mills. Asian American Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. 

I'd like reflect and appreciate the immigration journey of my people (the Iu Mien) and many other Southeast Asian groups like the Hmong, and the Lao that fought alongside American soldiers for freedom as Special Guerilla Units alongside our Allies from the United States in a forgotten and Secret War of Laos.

This month is also a month for us to learn about ourselves, our own culture, and our own traditions. I often joke about how my children are more American than they are Asian. They know very little about their own history. This month gives us an opportunity to rediscover our origins and teach our youth. As an Asian American, I am your friend and neighbor in the community.

We continue to be an integral part of life in Oregon and in America. We experience the joys and the hardships that Oregonians go through. We contribute to the well-being of Oregon. We do this by continuing to serve in our public agencies, serving fellow Americans that are struggling. We do it by becoming doctors, nurses, and caregivers to care for those that need help. We do it by serving as first responders; the fighter fighters, the police, the ambulance drivers. We do it by being a friend, neighbor, and community member.