FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ----

Congressman Faleomavaega announced that at the invitation of the National Park Service, he will be the keynote speaker today at a public multi-cultural ceremony honoring Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry. The ceremony is being held in Anchorage, Alaska and is being sponsored by the National Park Service, the University of Alaska Anchorage, the Samoan Affairs Association, and the Asian Alaska Cultural Center.

"As the senior Democrat on the House Subcommittee on National Parks, I am honored to be invited to speak in tribute to Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry who have achieved notable public distinction or made other significant contributions to society," said Faleomavaega. "I have been speaking at events of this nature for several years now because I think it is important to share with others our successes. I have found that people are receptive to this information, and when they hear of the number of successful Asian and Pacific Islanders and of our accomplishments, they often view Asians and Pacific Islanders in a more favorable light."

"I was also quite surprised to find out," said the Congressman, "that there are approximately 1,000 Samoans living in the Anchorage area. This is especially surprising given winter temperatures which go down to minus 50 or minus 60 degrees F."

"I was also surprised to learn that there are five or six Samoan church congregations in the area, and I am looking forward to meeting with them over the weekend," concluded the Congressman.