PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Picatinny Arsenal officials hosted the installation’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance in the Lindner Conference Center on May 2.
Lt. Col. Simon Chang, Picatinny Arsenal’s garrison chaplain, spoke to audiences in the Lindner center and virtually, about his heritage and service as a Soldier in the U.S. Army, as well as the great history that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to service and nation.
“As I prepared my speech, I, myself as a member of Asian and Pacific Island American Community, was so surprised at finding many important contributions to our nation, both historically and in today’s society, especially their selfless service to our nation during the time of conflicts and wars,” Chang said.
“Frankly speaking, I didn’t know that Asian and Pacific Islander Americans had served in America’s Army during the Civil War. I believe contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to our nation and our military are relatively not well-known to the public. In many cases, we are just coming to more fully understand and appreciate their contributions. I also believe that this partly stems from our own culture and values.
“In many Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, we are usually not encouraged to boast our Individual achievement or contribution, which considered as ‘humility,’” the chaplain continued. “The achievement of the community is also more important than one of individuals, not like in the western culture.”
After the speech, those in attendance were able to partake in activities such as origami, Asian calligraphy writing, a popular India Board Game, and more. Volunteers prepared food items that represented various cuisines from the Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, India, and China.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is recognized in May and is established under Title 36, U.S. Code Section 102 to celebrate the contributions that generations of Asian American and Pacific Islanders have made to American history, society, and culture.
The U.S. Army commemorates and celebrates the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the nation and our Army. Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month stands as a reminder of strength the Army has gained, and will gain, through a high-quality diverse all-volunteer force.
The “Asian Pacific American” designation encompasses more than 50 ethnic groups, including native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. There are now more Asian Pacific Islander groups recognized than in the past – with 28 Asian and 19 Pacific Islander subgroups, representing a vast array of languages and cultures, that are currently serving in the U.S. Army.
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have served in America’s Army since the Civil War.
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