KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to honor our nation’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander service members, veterans and their families throughout the month of May.
The Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander designation encompasses more than 50 ethnic and linguistic groups living in the United States and its territories that have helped shape the American story.
From the first Japanese immigrants arriving in 1843 to the vibrant Pacific islands and Southeast Asia communities of today, these individuals have been an integral part of our national fabric. Their military legacy is equally deep, with historical records documenting Asian Americans serving in the U.S. military as early as the War of 1812, helping to defend a young nation that was still defining its own boundaries.
This legacy is reflected in the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II and in the hundreds of thousands of service members who have earned their U.S. citizenship through their honorable military service. Their stories prove that patriotism is defined by one’s actions and commitment to the Constitution. The presence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities within the U.S. Armed Forces ensures that our nation’s military reflects the diversity that remains one of America’s greatest strengths.
On behalf of the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we salute all Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander service members, veterans and their families. We remain committed to ensuring that every veteran, regardless of their background or origin, receives the support, respect and benefits they have earned through their service to a grateful nation.