Sustainers recognize Asian Pacific heritage month

By 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public AffairsMay 25, 2011

Sustainers recognize Asian Pacific heritage month
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Sustainers recognize Asian Pacific heritage month
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Sustainers recognize Asian Pacific heritage month
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FORT KNOX, Ky. (May 24, 2011) " Fort Knox’s 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) celebrated Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with a ceremony Friday, May 20 at Waybur Theater.

The ceremony, which was organized by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Weathers, the 3d ESC’s Equal Opportunity representative, celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

“What we wanted to do with this ceremony was to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans while educating those in attendance on their culture,” said Sgt. 1st Class Weathers. “Asian Pacific Americans represent various nations and ethnicities, each with its own heritage, culture and language. It was nice to share these experiences and knowledge with everyone at the ceremony.”

The ceremony included essay winners from Macdonald Intermediate School and entertainment and catering by the Hawaiian Entertainment Company.

The Hawaiian Entertainment Co., based in Hawaii but with offices in Washington, D.C. and New York, entertained those in attendance with Hula dancers, Hawaiian music and authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

One of the more popular segments of the show came when Wynnie Tuifua, the company’s narrator, solicited volunteers to participate in an onstage Hula dance. With this, the volunteers were given step by step instruction on the dance by the company’s dancers. But, even with the step by step instruction, some dances did not go as planned.

“The food and the entertainment were just great at the Asian-Pacific Heritage celebration,” said Sgt. 1st Class Elaine Cantrell, the 3d ESC’s secretary to the general staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “Upon leaving the ceremony, all I heard others saying was that this was the best Asian-Pacific Heritage ceremony that they’ve ever been to.”

A rather broad term, Asian-Pacific encompasses the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Asian-Pacific Heritage Month originated as a week-long celebration signed into act by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed an extension making the week-long celebration a month-long celebration.

Related Links:

3d ESC Website

Fort Knox Website