By MC2 Victoria Ochoa

Yamamoto Hula Ohana member Jenny Camara performs a traditional Hawaiian dance during NPS' Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration outside Herrmann Hall, May 17. Each May, the U.S. Navy celebrates AAPI Heritage Month, recognizing the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

"AAPI month corresponds with two major events in history," said master of ceremonies and NPS Training Officer Lt. Kristen Connor. "The arrival of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. and the significant contributions Chinese immigrants made in creating the transcontinental railroad."

AAPI month originally began as "Asian American/Pacific Islander Week" in 1978 to coincide with the first Japanese immigrants that arrived in the U.S. in May of 1843. In 1990, the celebration was extended to a month-long event.

"I feel blessed to be a part of the Navy, and be able to bring a different perspective to how we can be a global force for good," said NPS Department of National Security Affairs student and guest speaker Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Kim. "My cultural upbringing has made me the person I am today, I learned to treat everyone equally and with respect."

Today, there are 24,500 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors serving in the Navy, including eight Admirals and 235 master chief and senior chief petty officers. These Sailors represent more than 56 ethnic groups who speak more than 100 languages.

"It's through an appreciation for diversity that we can identify and recognize the many contributions we all bring to the fight," said NPS Manpower Officer and speaker Lt. George W. Acfalle. "Diversity makes us the best Navy in the world."