Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and you can celebrate all month long at fun events nearby and in DC.

Both the White House and Fairfax County recognized AAPI month with proclamations - you can read the White House proclamation on the WH website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/30/presidential-proclamation-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-m

Fairfax County recognized AAPI month on Tuesday with a proclamation and special reception for members of the community and I was pleased to accept the proclamation and make a few brief remarks. Look for me wearing a hanbok, the traditional costume of Korea.  Thanks to the Board of Supervisors!

AAPI Heritage Month is a celebration and recognition of the contributions to this country made by Asian Americans, the history of Asian Americans and their journeys, old or new to the US and a celebration of the cultural diversity, food, traditions, music and dance that have enhanced and enriched our American culture.

There are lots of wonderful events to enjoy:

Thursday May 2 - GMU Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Concert.  7:30 pm performance at the George Mason University's Center for the Performing Arts, Concert Hall, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030.  FREE and open to the public. Free parking at Lot K.  http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar/month/2013/5/  

Saturday May 4 - Fairfax County AAPI Heritage Month Celebration, 10 am - 2pm. The public is invited to the “Looking Back, Moving Forward” event to celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Attendees will experience different cultures, enjoy exquisite arts, and taste delicious food. Performances include a lion dance, tae kwon do demonstrations, and more.  Keynote Speaker will be Terry Shima, the Hawaii born Japanese American WWII Veter

At Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035,  FREE but please RSVP toAPIAVoice@gmail.com.  Keynote Speaker will be Terry Shima, the Hawaii born Japanese American WWII Veteran, who just received the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal Award. 

Friday May 10 - Asian American Chamber of Commerce AAPI Heritage Month Celebration: Taste of Asia.  5-8pm at the Boys & Girls Club, 5901 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. Food, culture performances, fashion show. Tickets $25 member, $35 non member, children 2-18 are $10. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.asian-americanchamber.org

Saturday May 18- FIESTA ASIA.  8th Annual Asian Heritage Month Street Festival in DC - one of the largest on the East Coast. www.asiaheritagefoundation.org  10 am - 7 pm, FREE.  PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW Between 3rd STREET & 6th ST. 

Saturday May 18 & Sunday May 19 - Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival.  Bring the whole family to watch a centuries old tradition - dragon boat races!  FREE.  At the Thompsons Boat Center, 2900 Virginia Ave NW,Washington, DC 20007. Call (202) 333-9543 for more information or visit http://dragonboatdc.com/