Naval District Washington is joining the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have served in the U.S. Navy since the early 19th century, and today make up more than six percent of the overall active duty force, along with more than 18,000 Navy civilians.

Japanese immigrants first came to the United States in May 1843, and the Transcontinental Railroad - largely built by Chinese laborers - was finished in May 1869, making the month particularly significant in recognizing the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, comprised of more than 50 ethnic groups speaking various languages.

NDW will be hosting events throughout the region in honor to the AAPIHM, including a luau at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and an observance program at the Navy Yard, May 20 and 24 respectively.

"Recognizing the diverse background and culture in the Navy is important because it is vital to not only our present, but also our future as a military organization," said Chief Electrician's Mate Christopher James, NDW heritage committee lead. "We create an environment of excellence when [we strive] to do our absolute best to ensure [all] personnel who answer the call to service are welcome into a Navy family where people of every cultural background can proudly work together, offering their diverse talents, experiences and abilities."

Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have proven to be great leaders and have made great contributions to the U.S. Navy, as well as to the United States of America. They have been key players in various battles and conflicts dating back to the War of 1812.

"Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped develop and defend the United States, often in the face of tremendous racial and cultural prejudice. Asian Americans, who are Americans of Asian descent, have fought and served on behalf of the United States since the War of 1812," said James. "During the American Civil War Asian, Americans served on both the Union and Confederacy vessels. There are even accounts of Filipino American Sailors serving as early as the Revolutionary War. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have continued to serve America proudly every day."

Currently, the highest ranking Asian Americans in the military are Army Gen. John F. Campbell and Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., while the highest Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander is Rear Adm. Peter A. Gumataotao. The highest ranking female Asian American is Air Force Maj. Gen. Sharon K. G. Dunbar.

In addition, Eni Faleomavaega from American Samoa, Tammy Duckworth from Illinois, and Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii, are all combat veterans serving in Congress today.

Asian and Pacific American Heritage Week was first observed in May 1979, and then-President George Bush expanded the awareness campaign to the entire month in 1990. Congress officially decreed May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 1992.

For more information about AAPIHM visit http://www.deomi.org/

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit http://www.navy.mil/.