From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
NEW YORK (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Harry
B. Harris, Jr., was honored this week for his lifetime contributions to
national security in two separate events that celebrate diversity and the
accomplishments from those of different cultures.
On May 6, Harris accepted the Asian American Institute for
Congressional Studies (APAICS) Lifetime Achievement Award in Washington, and on
May 10 he received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award from the National
Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) in New York.
The awards embody the significant contributions that each
recipient has made all while maintaining the traditions of their respective
ethnic backgrounds. Harris, who is of Japanese-American descent and is the
highest-ranking Asian-American officer in Navy history, accepted each on behalf
of the Navy, acknowledging the many opportunities he has been afforded
throughout his career.
"In World War II, Japanese-Americans were not allowed
to serve in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, and those who did serve were in the
Army," said Harris. "Now, as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet,
I couldn't be more honored to receive these awards. I know that I stand on the
shoulders of the giants who paved the way for me. I'm grateful for the numerous
opportunities the Navy has given me and I'm proud of the opportunities the Navy
continues to give Sailors from all cultures."
According to each respective organization, Harris follows a
long line of accomplished recipients at all levels of service, professions, and
from all walks of life. Former recipients of the APAICS Lifetime Achievement
Award include former Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, Rep. Michael M. Honda, and retired
Rear Adm. Ming Chang. Past Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients include
former Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, retired Gen. and former Secretary of State
Colin Powell, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. John
McCain and Nobel Prize awardee Elie Wiesel.
It is especially meaningful that the awards come in the
month of May, where America recognizes the service and dedication of the men
and women of Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage. May honors the
diversity that is central to the Navy's identity and critical to advancing its
role in maintaining peace and stability around the world.
Today's Navy includes approximately 19,000 uniformed
personnel and more than 29,000 civilians of Asian-American and Pacific Islander
heritage. According to Harris, their contributions to America's security and
freedom continues a tradition of outstanding Asian-American and Pacific
Islander service in the Navy.
"This is a history punctuated with stories of
trailblazing heroism from Sailors that exemplify the best of who we are,"
Harris explained. "This month reminds us that the true source of America's
greatness lies not in the power of our weaponry, but in the courage of those
who serve.
"I am proud to receive these awards on behalf of them
and on behalf of our Navy," he concluded.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment