Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month – The Army on Okinawa celebrates cultural diversity

Photo By Charles Steitz | A traditional lion dance is performed by Devante Williams (head), Jesse Kiser (tail), along with Molly Singleton (little lion), at a ceremony May 30 at Kadena Air Base in celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. The ceremony was filled with performances from various groups on island to include traditional Hawaiian and Filipino cultural dancers and the Kadena High School.  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

05.30.2013

Story by Charles Steitz 

10th Regional Support Group

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – An Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month recognition ceremony was held May 30 here at the Keystone Theater. This ceremony highlighted the traditions of many Asian and Pacific cultures and included a number of performances from, Hawaiian and Filipino traditional artists, the Amelia Earhart Elementary School Taiko Drummers and students from Kadena High School.

Since the earliest days of America, people from all cultures have traveled to our nation seeking the promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice. Many Asian/Pacific immigrants came to America to discover the promise of our nation and to realize their dreams. Generations of Asian/Pacific Americans have proudly served our nation with honor and courage in wars and conflicts, including most recently Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

The quest speaker, Maj. Yukio A. Kuniyuki III, operations officer for the 10th Regional Support Group, a fourth generation Japanese-American, gave a passionate presentation about his experiences growing up and the impact different cultures and traditions has brought to the U.S.

“This is the same phenomenon we experience in the military and it is not unique to Asians and Pacific Islanders. It is the American experience of finding common ground, understanding differences, and living together through acceptance, inclusion and respect. And as we make efforts to include the new, we must never forget the early pioneers, the leaders, and the cultural icons that have made lasting contributions to the betterment of humanity and paved the road for all of us. If I have learned anything in life, it is this: we are more similar than we like to believe. Our culture and heritage provide the color, texture, and flavor to what would otherwise be an uninteresting world. As we move forward together, let us embrace our cultural identity and not forget our heritage for in the end that is what makes us human. Only through active leadership that brings people together, can we truly affect change and work to a common good,” explained Kuniyuki.

Throughout our history, Asian/Pacific Americans have made great contributions to America’s heritage and prosperity. In May, we proudly celebrate Asian/Pacific Americans, as one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the U.S. for their remarkable role in our Nation’s development.

Comprising more than 30 ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific, Asian and Pacific Americans have contributed to American culture, works of literature, art, entertainment, cuisine and advances in science that influence all other American’s lives. They have challenged the minds of our next generation, expanded commerce and innovations, probed the frontiers of space and searched for cures for the world’s diseases.

In his closing remarks, Lt. Col. Joseph McCallion, Jr. commander of 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, summarized the successes, achievements and dedication given by so many to our country: “Through hardship, tough conditions, and adversity, Asian -Americans and Pacific Islanders have persevered and contributed so much to the building of this nation and making it great. As America is known as the great melting pot, we take time here to recognize all the tremendous contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders have made through the years. And while, at first glance, it made seem that we are focusing on diversity, it is really all about unity. We have celebrated all the cultural contributions this group has made to make our country great and make us better Americans. The fabric of our nation is the strands of cultural diversity woven together. And may all of us continue to recognize the dignity and respect of all people, pass it on to the next generation, and perpetuate the American dream into the future.”

• Date Taken: 05.30.2013
• Date Posted: 06.05.2013 03:06
• Story ID: 108080
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP