SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Chinese communities in Northern California on Tuesday celebrated the first Chinese American Day in the United States, vowing to make greater efforts to enhance friendship between China and the United States.
Addressing an event hosted by the Greater Shanghai Alliance of America (GSAA) at San Francisco Public Library to mark the special moment, GSAA President Robert Ju said Chinese Americans have made prominent contributions to the development of the United States.
"They can never be neglected or forgotten in making the U.S. the world's No. 1 economic power," he said after recalling stories of the Chinese Americans struggling and fighting for their dreams since their arrival in the country more than 100 years ago.
Last month, the California State Assembly designated Oct. 23, 2019 as Chinese American Day in California to highlight the important historical contributions of Chinese Americans to California and the United States.
"With diligence, loyalty, a sense of gratitude, and an enduring belief in the American dream, Chinese immigrants contributed to American society in many areas, including academia, science, technology, education, business, finance, arts, entertainment, and public service," said the State Assembly in a resolution on the designation of Chinese American Day.
The measure will help instill in younger generations of Chinese Americans proper appreciation for the courage and values of their forefathers, a deep sense of their roots, and pride in their own cultural heritage, it added.
Ju told the audience that Chinese Americans rejoiced over the prosperity of China, especially the achievements made over the past four decades after China launched its policy of reform and opening-up, which turned China from a poor country into the world's second largest economy.
Roger Zhang, GSAA chairman of board of directors, said it is the first time that the California State Assembly has designated Oct. 23 of this year as Chinese American Day, which is a recognition by U.S. mainstream society of Chinese Americans' outstanding contributions to the United States in various sectors.
"I hope the celebrations will help promote unity among various Chinese communities in the United States, and provide an opportunity for Chinese Americans to work as a non-government force to bolster China-U.S. friendship and deepen their cooperation," Zhang said.
On Wednesday, more than 100 overseas Chinese communities, prominent personages and companies in the Bay Area will jointly launch an advertisement in local media to celebrate Chinese American Day.
