Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was established by the Federal Government nearly three decades ago to commemorate the many contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to the history and culture of the United States. The month of May was specifically chosen because it coincides with two historic events for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. On May 7, 1843, a fourteen year old boy named Manjiro was the first Japanese immigrant to arrive in the United States. And, on May 19, 1869, the construction of the transcontinental railroad was completed, a feat accomplished largely by the back breaking and painstaking labor of 20,000 Chinese immigrants. For more on this celebration, please check out the Library of Congress website; read this proclamation from the White House and explore the following books: