Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will be speaking at the Fort Bragg Annual Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Observance ceremony on Tuesday, May 27, 2008.  This event is sponsored and coordinated by the XVIII Airborne Corps and the 16th Military Police Brigade at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

 This event is part of the many celebrations by the various federal agencies and military installations across the country and abroad in observance of May as the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month designated by Congress since 1992.  This year’s national theme is “Leadership, Diversity, Harmony-Gateway to Success.”

 “May is a special month for all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans because we are able to celebrate and recognize the contributions that we have made to our nation,” Faleomavaega said.  “Through our many languages, history, and cultures, we have added much to the diversity of our society.  At 15 million strong, Asian-Pacific Americans is among the fastest growing demographic group in the U.S. today.  We have excelled in many fields through education, science, and technology, but most importantly, we have volunteered and serve proudly in our armed services in the protection of our everyday freedoms.”

 “I am honored that Brigadier General Arthur Bartell, Deputy Commanding General at Ft. Bragg, was able to afford me this special invitation to speak at their celebration.  This event will be an opportunity to share and celebrate our cultures with other fellow Americans.  At Ft. Bragg, I will also have the opportunity to meet with our many Samoan soldiers and the growing Samoan community throughout North Carolina and from the surrounding states.”

 “During this weekend, the Samoan Christian Congregation at Ft. Bragg will host a fellowship and revival for Samoan youth from around the East Coast.  Through this endeavor, they have invited other Samoan congregations and communities from Camp Lejeune (North Carolina), Ft. Stewart (Georgia), Ft. Benning (Georgia), Ft. Gordon (Georgia), Ft. Polk (Louisiana), Ft. Campbell (Kentucky), and the Samoan community at Ft. Myer (Washington, D.C.) to participate.  I am privileged to have been asked to also address this gathering and to share my thoughts with our youth.”

“This is a momentous event for our Samoan community and especially for our youth.  It is an opportunity for the youth to fellowship with one another and to celebrate the gospel and our rich Samoan culture.  Given the increase in youth violence and teen pregnancy throughout our country, we must redirect our focus in enhancing family values that have been bestowed by our religious beliefs and Samoan culture.”

 “I want to take this opportunity to thank General Bartell for his special invitation for me to speak at this year’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage celebration in Ft. Bragg.  I also want to thank the leaders of the Samoan Christian Congregation at Ft. Bragg, Faith Leader Solomona Olo, Command Sergeant Major Tuileama Nua, and Major Tauapa’i Laupola, for inviting me to speak at their fellowship, and for taking the initiative to help our youth,” concluded Congressman Faleomavaega.