Orlando mayor proclaims Taiwanese American Heritage Festival Day

Orlando, FL - May 24, 2003 - Members of the Taiwanese-American community in Central Florida gathered in front of the downtown City Hall building to host the 2nd Annual Taiwanese-American Heritage Festival of Central Florida. This festival was held in conjunction with the Taiwanese American Heritage Week, which was May 11-18, 2003. In 1999, former President Bill Clinton officially designated the last week in May to be observed as Taiwanese-American Heritage Week, after which Taiwanese-Americans around the country have celebrated their culture and heritage on an annual basis.

The event in downtown Orlando gave the local community an opportunity to learn more about Taiwanese culture and to become acquainted with their Taiwanese-American neighbors. It drew visitors from as far away as Germany. Event organizers gave away free gifts and shared their good will.

The 2003 Taiwanese-American Heritage Festival was launched with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by City of Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan and Director General Chung Chen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami. Director General Chen presented Commissioner Sheehan with a plaque acknowledging her as a champion of cultural diversity. Commissioner Sheehan presented the Taiwanese official with a Key to the City and read a Proclamation to the appreciative crowd.

The Proclamation, from the office of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, declared May 24, 2003, Taiwanese American Heritage Festival Day. It states:

Whereas, in 1999, former President Clinton officially designated a week to mark the innumerable contributions and accomplishments of the Taiwanese Americans; and

Whereas, this year, Taiwanese Americans nationwide celebrated Taiwanese American Heritage Week May 11-18, 2003 with festivals and ceremonies; and

Whereas, Americans of Taiwanese descent can be proud of their roots and their vital role in the continued growth of our nation and enrichment of our culture with their talents, intellect and activism; and

Whereas, it should be noted that Taiwanese Americans have made enormous contributions to the diversity and prosperity of American society. According to the latest statistics, 40% of Taiwanese Americans are college graduates, 8% of Taiwanese Americans have doctoral degrees, and 48% of Taiwanese Americans are professionals or hold managerial positions; and

Whereas, the Orlando City Council recognizes the many Taiwanese American residents of Orlando and extends thanks and gratitude to them for their support and service to our City;

Now therefore, I, Buddy Dyer, Mayor of the City of Orlando, hereby do Proclaim May 24, 2003 as "Taiwanese American Heritage Festival Day" in the City of Orlando.

For more information, please contact:

Tony Coolidge
ATAYAL
321-206-8040
E-mail: mail@atayal.org