Proclaiming the week of May 12 through May 19, 2024 to be Taiwanese American Heritage Week.

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 nationwide, and approximately 20,000 residing in Massachusetts, including a vibrant community in Somerville; and Whereas: Taiwanese Americans have played pivotal roles in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of 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 in the pursuit of equality and freedom; and Whereas: Taiwan stands as the eighth largest trading partner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and Whereas: The year 2024 marks the 45th 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; Now therefore be it known to all those present that the Mayor of the City of Somerville respectfully proclaims May 12 - May 19, 2024, to be Taiwanese American Heritage Week. We encourage all residents to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Taiwanese Americans to American society, to learn more about the rich culture and history of Taiwan, and to renew our commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights that we share with Taiwan. Proclaimed on this 23rd day of May, 2024 by Katjana Ballantyne Mayor