At request of Samoan troops, Aumua Amata is invited to address U.S. military and civilian communities for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Europe
May 05, 2006

On June 22, 2005 Aumua Amata was officially invited by our Samoan troops to be the Distinguished Guest Speaker at U.S. military and civilian communities in events in different venues in Germany next week in observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. "Although I was supposed to be back at home in American Samoa at this time and also had received an invitation to speak at another military base, I rejuggled my schedule to accommodate the Samoan troops as I often do when I receive a request specifically from Samoans and I'm glad I did. I wanted to show my personal support of our brothers and sisters who are currently serving our great Nation and fighting the war on terrorism."

The immediate past White House Commissioner for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a popular speaker at military bases during this time each year, will keynote the main event to be held at Husky Football Field in Stuttgart, Germany and also will speak at other events in several different venues.

On April 28, 2006 President George W. Bush proclaimed the month of May as Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month to honor and celebrate the millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose contributions have helped make America a strong, vibrant and free society. He said, "Throughout our history, Asian Pacific Americans have been patriots, answering the call to defend our Nation and to protect the blessings of liberty and democracy. Today, in the war on terror, Asian Pacific Americans serve proudly as they carry on our Nation's noble tradition of advancing the cause of freedom around the world. We are grateful for the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and those who love and support them as we fight to protect our homeland make the world safe for democracy."

Amata added, "A shining example of an Asian Pacific American patriot is U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye who was awarded the Medal of Honor and he is the highest ranking APA recipient. During World War II, Second Lieutenant Inouye's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army."

"Another noteworthy patriot, my own father," continued Aumua, "the late Governor Uifa'atali Pita, was inducted into the U.S. Army's Infantry Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, and I was privileged to accompany him at that induction ceremony."

Amata explained, "They are the bookends of the remarkable story of our Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at a time their service was needed most. They have brought much honor to our Nation both during and after their military service."

Amata will spend several days visiting with the troops in Germany and has been invited to speak at various APA community events, including high schools and elementary schools. She will visit with the wounded military at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American hospital outside the United States where she will meet the hospital commander and present a gift to the hospital staff for their personal courage and selfless service in taking special care of America's war heroes. "Landstuhl is one of two special hospitals in Europe," explained Amata. There are specialists in all areas except for the rarest cases, which are treated at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C."

Aumua Amata concluded by saying, "I've been privileged to address numerous military and non-military groups as they celebrate APA Heritage Month and I cherish these occasions because we Samoans are particularly proud of our sons and daughters who serve in our Nation's military to protect the freedoms we all treasure. I look forward to meeting with the troops and returning home with their personal messages for their families."

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