Every year, the month of May is designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month — a month of national celebration and commemoration of the innumerable contributions that Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to American life.

1999, President Clinton dedicated the week after Mother’s Day as Taiwanese American Heritage week (TAHW). Taiwanese Americans have annually joined hands to reach out to the general American public to share their heritage since then.

President Clinton wrote in 1999: “Americans of Taiwan descent can be proud of their roots and of their vital role in the continued growth of our nation. This observance offers us an opportunity to learn more about the outstanding contributions that men and women from Taiwan have made to our nation and the world.”

FAPA came up with the idea for Taiwanese American Heritage Week, an ideal vehicle to continue educating the general American audience and the Congress — Taiwan is a sovereign independent country and not a part of China, despite China’s illegitimate and baseless claims over Taiwan.

This year, from Mother’s Day May 14 until Sunday, May 21, 2017, Taiwanese Americans all over the Union are celebrating the TAHW.
This celebration did not go unnoticed, where U.S. elected officials dedicated the week after Mother’s Day as TAHW by issuing proclamations and statements.

Among these, governor of Massachusetts Charles D. Baker wrote: “Taiwanese Americans have made enormous contributions to the diversity and prosperity of American society, consistently contributing to the promotion of democracy and security of their homeland.”

Governor of Washington State Jay Inslee wrote: “This week recognizes the long-standing friendship between the United States and Taiwan.”

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) wrote: “Year after year, the bonds between Taiwan and the Pacific Northwest grow stronger. Family ties, cultural exchanges, and tourism bind us together.”

Mayor Setti Warren of Newton, MA, and supervisor of Wappinger Falls, NY, Lori Jiava, wrote: “Taiwan is a sovereign, independent country but continues to be illegitimately claimed by the People’s Republic of China as a renegade province.”

Albany, NY mayor Kathy M. Sheehan wrote: “Taiwan and the United States share a common commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom and human rights. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which forms the cornerstone of United States Taiwan relations together with President Reagan’s Six Assurances, continues to provide a strong foundation for the bond between the people of both countries.”

Gainesville, FL mayor Lauren Poe wrote: “The United States provides safety and security guarantees to Taiwan for the preservation of its democracy.”

The mayor of Vancouver, WA, wrote: “Because of American support, Taiwan’s voice is heard while it strives for participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations.”

The mayors of Cambridge, MA, Malden, MA, Syracuse, NY and Camas, WA issued similar proclamations. And so did Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) wrote: “Every year I look forward to this week because it deepens our understanding of Taiwanese American heritage.”

FAPA President Peter Chen states: “Taiwanese Americans are proud to be citizens of this country which believes in democracy and equality. Taiwanese Americans having and celebrating their own Heritage Week reinforces the understanding among the American public that Taiwan is not part of China, and that we need to recognize the reality that Taiwan is a free and democratic nation that needs to be accepted by the international community as a full and equal member.”