Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: Honoring the Rich Tapestry of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities

Moderators
May 23
3 min read

Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: Honoring the Rich Tapestry of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities

May is recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities to the fabric of the United States.

Understanding AANHPI Heritage Month

Established in 1991, AANHPI Heritage Month celebrates the achievements and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to mark the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was built largely by Chinese immigrant laborers.

AANHPI Contributions to U.S. Military History

The AANHPI community has played a significant and often underrecognized role in defending the nation throughout its history:

During World War II, more than 33,000 Japanese Americans served in the U.S. military despite widespread internment. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed mostly of Japanese Americans, became one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history.
Filipino Americans served by the thousands in both World Wars, and many were granted U.S. citizenship for their service.
Chinese Americans, though subject to discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, still volunteered in large numbers during World War II—about 20% of Chinese American men served.
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have a long tradition of military service, including vital contributions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

AANHPI Service Today

Today, AANHPI individuals continue to serve with distinction:

As of 2023, Asian Americans make up approximately 4.4% of active-duty military personnel, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders represent about 1.3%—both groups slightly exceeding their share of the overall U.S. population.
AANHPI service members are represented across all branches, from enlisted personnel to high-ranking officers, contributing critical skills in leadership, intelligence, linguistics, and technology.

These statistics reflect not only a legacy of loyalty and courage but also the enduring commitment of AANHPI communities to the ideals of service, justice, and equality—even in the face of discrimination and exclusion.

Resources to Engage and Educate

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) offers a comprehensive AANHPI Heritage Month Toolkit, designed to inspire and facilitate meaningful engagement with AANHPI cultures and histories. This curated collection includes:

Educational Materials: Access to the AAPI History Hub, providing K–12 educators with vetted lesson plans and multimedia resources.
Cultural Experiences: Recommendations for museums, historical sites, and cultural districts that showcase AANHPI heritage.
Media and Literature: A curated list of films, shows, and books featuring AANHPI stories and creators.
Community Engagement: Tools to support AANHPI nonprofit organizations through the AAPI Nonprofit Database.

Taking Action and Building Community

Beyond celebration, AANHPI Heritage Month is a call to action—to address challenges these communities face and to build a more inclusive future. TAAF’s initiatives support education, combat anti-Asian hate, and reshape public narratives.

Ways to get involved:

Support Local AANHPI Businesses
Attend Cultural Events
Educate Yourself and Others

Reflecting on Representation

This month is not just about honoring past contributions, but also about elevating the voices and experiences of all AANHPI groups today. Representation in government, media, education, and the military helps foster a society where everyone can feel seen and valued.

Let’s take time this May to learn, reflect, and uplift the rich, interwoven stories of the AANHPI community—past and present.

📚 Learn more and access the full AANHPI Heritage Month Toolkit here: https://www.taaf.org/our-work/aanhpi-toolkit