Derek Kilmer was mentioned in CELEBRATING THE ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY….. on page E1184 covering the 1st Session of the 117th Congress published on Nov. 2, 2021 in the Congressional Record.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
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HON. DEREK KILMER
of washington
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma, Washington.
E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one.
That motto, the motto of our Nation, reflects a truth embodied by the Asia Pacific Cultural Center for the last 25 years–that our region’s amazing diversity is a blessing. That the people and cultures that have come from so many places should be celebrated. And, importantly, that the celebration of that diversity can be a force for uniting us.
Since 1996 the Asia Pacific Cultural Center has served as that unifying force in our region–a center of cultural exchange. It has provided programs to support, celebrate, and honor the Asian and Pacific Islander people. It has given us all an opportunity to celebrate art, education, culture, and cuisine–some of the core elements of everyday lives that have been challenged over the course of the last couple of years. It has brought us together.
Through it all, over the last quarter of a century, the APCC has not only endured–it has thrived. Over the years, so many of us have learned so much from APCC programs. Personally, I have participated in traditional ceremonies at Samoan Cultural Days and at the Korean Chuseok Festival. I got to join with my youngest daughter in making dumplings (I was terrible at it, but my kiddo was terrific). I’ve joined the APCC in prayer and healing after tragic moments in our country. And I’ve joined them in great joy and celebration. And I know I’m not alone. Indeed, by hosting cultural events and activities, sponsoring youth programs, and conducting outstanding outreach, the Asia Pacific Cultural Center has become a pillar of our community.
Through its work, the APCC helps us live up to a vision laid out by Gandhi when he said, “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed.” He said, “I want the culture of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.” The Asia Pacific Cultural Center has brought the cultures of 47 countries into our home. The APCC has made our community stronger.
I would like to recognize and congratulate the organization’s tremendous leadership, including Executive Director Lua Pritchard, President and Founder Patsy Surh O’Connell, the board, and every person in our community that has supported their extraordinary work. It matters.
As a representative for our region in our Nation’s capital, I want to thank the APCC for its partnership and congratulate the organization for 25 years of service and dedication to our community. I look forward to working with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center for years to come.
It is an honor to represent them and our region.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 192
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