Reps. Bieda, Richardville, Lipsey, Hopgood, Law, Condino, Gleason, Brown, Adamini, Tobocman, Pappageorge, Accavitti, Anderson, Byrum, Clack, Dennis, Ehardt, Elkins, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Jamnick, Koetje, Kolb, Minore, Murphy, O'Neil, Palsrok, Phillips, Plakas, Rocca, Sak, Sheltrown, Spade, Stallworth, Tabor, Taub, Vagnozzi, Waters, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 324.

            A resolution designating October 2004 as Filipino American History Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Filipino American History Month was established by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) as the official month recognizing the contributions and experiences of Filipinos in America; and

            Whereas, October was the month selected by the FANHS because it was October 1587 in Morro Bay, California, that the first known Filipinos arrived in America.  Today, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are 2.4 million Filipinos living in the United States; and

            Whereas,  The Honorable Frank Murphy of Michigan served as a judge, Mayor of Detroit, Governor of Michigan, United States Attorney General, and a Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  He also served as the last Governor-General of the Philippines and first High Commissioner of the Philippines from 1933 to 1936; and

            Whereas, During World War II Filipino Americans lived in a climate of invariable racism, yet they continuously remained deeply loyal to the United States and many served with distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States; and

            Whereas, Although Filipino Americans have encountered many hardships, they have made important contributions in the labor movement, politics, arts and entertainment, business, sports, media, and other industries; and

            Whereas, Many Filipino Americans call Michigan home and have added their rich history, culture, and talent to our state; now, therefore be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body designate October 2004 as Filipino American History Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to his Excellency, Ambassador Albert F. Del Rosario at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. and to Filipino fraternal organizations in Michigan.