Agenda Summary
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Proclaiming that the week of May 11 through May 18, 2025 is Taiwanese American Heritage Week.
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Official Text
Proclamation
Whereas: Taiwan is a stable, vibrant democracy with long history, rich and diverse cultures, and a highly advanced economy that has made enormous contributions to the world; and
Whereas: Taiwanese Americans have annually celebrated Taiwanese American Heritage Week (TAHW) since President Clinton dedicated the week after Mother’s Day as TAHW in 1999; and
Whereas: with over 500,000 Taiwanese Americans in the United States, and approximately 20,000 in Massachusetts, including a vibrant community in Somerville; and
Whereas: Taiwanese Americans have played pivotal roles in shaping the cultural and economic landscape in Massachusetts, achieving excellence in academia, science, medicine, and entrepreneurship; and
Whereas: the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as the pioneering state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage, shares a profound connection with Taiwan, the first country in Asia to make such strides to the pursuit of equality and freedom; and
Whereas: Taiwan stands as the eighth largest trade partner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
Whereas: the year 2025 marks the 46th anniversary of the enactment into law of the 1979 "Taiwan Relations Act," alongside the 1982 “Six Assurances,” which together form the bedrock of U.S.-Taiwan relations; and
Whereas: Taiwanese Americans are proud of their roots and vital role in the continued growth of our nation and have embraced America's diversity and the spirit of community that binds us together as one nation; and
Whereas: this week recognizes the longstanding friendship between the United States and Taiwan, and the contributions of Taiwanese Americans to the promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights in Taiwan and around the world; and
Now therefore be it known to all those present that the Mayor of the City of Somerville respectfully proclaims
May 11-18, 2025 as Taiwanese American Heritage Week.
Proclaimed on this 8th day of May, 2025 by
Katjana Ballantyne
Mayor