Title
Adoption of Resolution Supporting House of Representatives Bill 2358 and Senate Bill 1050 the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act. (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Elizabeth D. Warmerdam, Acting City Manager
Re: Adoption of Resolution Supporting House of Representatives Bill 2358 and Senate Bill 1050 the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act
BACKGROUND
Chinese American World War II Veterans made significant contributions to our country without being honored. In recent years, other historically overlooked military units, such as the Filipino World War II Veterans, Native American Code Talkers, and the Monuments Men have been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress.
On May 4, 2017, House of Representatives (H.R.) 2358 and Senate (S.) 1050 were introduced in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Chinese American Veterans of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. Both bills received bipartisan support from 152 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 53 members of the U.S. Senate, including Alameda’s Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the U.S. Senators representing the State of California, Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris.
DISCUSSION
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 30 percent of people living in the City of Alameda are of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage; many with relatives who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and to whom our community is deeply thankful for their service.
In May each year, the City of Alameda celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month to learn more about the history and rich contributions of Asian Pacific Americans, who have contributed much to our nation and to the City of Alameda with their talents, hard work, and diversity of cultural traditions, languages, and faiths.
Chinese Americans served in every theater of battle and every branch of service in World War II, yet have not been appropriately recognized for their dedicated service and sacrifice. The attached City of Alameda resolution offers the City of Alameda’s support for this federal legislation. Other cities across the country have prepared similar resolutions in support of this legislation, including Boston, San Francisco, Albany (CA), Monterey Park, Alhambra, Oakland and New York City.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City that would result from the adoption of this resolution.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
There is no impact to the Alameda Municipal Code from the adoption of this Resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of this Resolution will not result in a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from CEQA and Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution supporting House of Representatives Bill 2358 and Senate Bill 1050 the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director