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Remarks by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Committee of 100 14th Annual Conference
Gala and Dinner
Arlington, VA
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Thank you, Bob [Gee, Co-Chair, Committee of 100].
This year, the Asian Pacific American community lost some very special
leaders in literature, education, and politics. Tonight, we remember
them and the contributions they made to America and to our communities.
Dr. John Tsu was a tireless advocate for Asian Pacific Americans, who
dedicated his life to our community. At a time when few Chinese Americans
were involved in political life, Dr. Tsu saw the need for engagement with
mainstream America and pioneered the path that many follow today.
Dr. Tsu was also a leader in providing educational opportunities for
young Asian Pacific Americans. He left an inspiring legacy that will live
on in the accomplishments of many young lives he touched. He helped open
the doors of opportunity for all of us, and helped to ensure that they
remained open. His wife, Susan, and his family are in our thoughts today.
Senator Hiram Fong will be remembered as a pioneer for the Asian community
as one of the first two Senators from Hawaii, after it was admitted as
a state.
N.T. Wang dedicated his life to building bridges of understanding between
the American and Chinese cultures as a senior research fellow at Columbia
University, author and poet.
Iris Chang is remembered for her seminal contribution to history and
literature with her internationally acclaimed best seller “The Rape of
Nanking: the Forgotten Holocaust of World War II.” We remember her parents
and her young son tonight.
And Congressman Bob Matsui served for more than 25 years as one of the
most respected members of the House of Representatives.
It is indeed fitting that their lives and legacies are honored tonight,
and the advancement Asian Pacific Americans have made in part because
of these leaders.
Among other milestones, President George W. Bush has appointed a record number
of about 260 Asian Pacific Americans to the highest levels of government.
And I am proud of the fact that the U S. Department of Labor has the largest
number of Asian Pacific American appointees in the federal government.
This is a tribute to the talent, strength and vitality of the Asian Pacific
American community. So many of whom are here tonight.
In particular, let me recognize some of them: Ambassador Julia Chang
Bloch and Ed Moy.
And, of course, congratulations to all of tonight's honorees, including
Anna Chenault, Connie Chung and Maya Lin.
Thank you to Senator McCain, Senator Ted Stevens, and Congressman Jim
Leach for joining us tonight.
I would like to commend the members of the Committee of 100 for their
work on behalf of the Chinese American community. As tonight's theme suggests,
with your continued leadership, the Chinese American community will continue
to “scale great heights, and inspire new visions.”
Enjoy tonight's celebration!
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