Speeches by Secretary Elaine L. Chao

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Remarks Delivered by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291
New York, New York
Saturday, June 3, 2006

Thank you very much, Post Commander [Shin], for this award. It is a great pleasure to join you, Post Adjutant [Fang] Wong, members, family and friends of American Legion Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 in celebrating your 61st anniversary. I was not able to join you last year in celebration of your grand 60th anniversary celebration and so I'm glad that I'm able to join you this year.

Congratulations to all the awardees tonight. The veterans honored tonight and others who are here tonight are part of a precious legacy of courage and patriotism that Chinese Americans have contributed to America. The contributions and sacrifices of our armed forces make it possible for all of us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunity we enjoy today.

The veterans celebrating their 50th and 60th years as members of this Post helped our country achieve victory in World War II. They demonstrated they were, above all, Americans, without doubt. They put themselves in harm's way to preserve the freedom and liberty that all Americans enjoy. Their service and contribution to our country paved the way for later generations of Asian Pacific Americans to achieve what we have. We need to thank them for all that they've done.

Tonight, this Post will also honor veterans of the Gulf War and the war on terror. These brave veterans remind all Americans that the price of freedom is vigilance in every generation.

The last time that America was attacked was December 7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor. Since then, our homeland remained free from foreign invasion and attack — until September 11, 2001.

I still remember my visit to Chinatown on December 1, 2001. Chinatown was close to the World Trade Center and many Chinese Americans lost their jobs or livelihoods. In addition to the millions of dollars the Department gave to New York State, the Department also gave $1 million grant to those here in Chinatown affected by the aftermaths of September 11th. I paid a visit to this Post at that time and an enlarged photograph I took with the Board and other veterans hangs proudly in the hallways of the U. S. Department of Labor, outside my office.

These Veterans of the War on Terror are fighting in the Middle East so the terrorists don't attack us here in the Homeland. They are "Defending Forward". Thank you for everything you are doing — and have done — to keep us safe!

I have been to Iraq. It is clear that the terrorists have global ambitions. On Al Qaeda's own Web site, they clearly state their goal is to establish an Islamic empire from Spain to Southeast Asia. During my travels to Iraq, I can tell you that the Iraqis are grateful for the gift of freedom and are anxious to defend their new country. And our soldiers are helping them build a new society, a democratic one, in every possible way, military, diplomatic and humanitarian.

When our soldiers return home and leave the military, all of us need to help them assimilate back to civilian life. The Department of Labor is doing our part. We recently published new rules called USERRA that provide guidance on the employment rights of veterans. The Department helps to ensure that returning veterans will get their old job back at the same seniority, as if they had not left. If you want to know more about veterans employment rights are, please go on our website: www.dol.gov.

A returning soldier possesses great skills much in demand in our civilian workforce. They are disciplined, possess valuable technical skills, as well as proven leadership skills. The Department has worked with employers to help others appreciate that returning veterans are a tremendous pool of talent. Home Depot is one of the companies that signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs to hire more veterans.

We need to treasure our veterans. Appreciate them. Thank them for their service to our country.

The President is very supportive of our veterans and our community. He has appointed the largest number of Asian Pacific Americans of any President in America's history — over 300 — to the highest positions in the Administration.

There are two Asian Pacific Americans in the Cabinet. I am also proud that at the Department of Labor, we have the largest number of Asian Pacific American appointees of any Administration. One of them is with us tonight: Anna Hui, Special Assistant to the Secretary for Asian American Liaison.

Let me conclude by mentioning an issue that many of you have asked me about and that's immigration. Now, my Department has a very small role. Most of the activity is at the Department of Homeland Security.

The President deserves credit for tackling this complex issue and trying to find a better solution. The President has always been very supportive of immigrants. That's why he's spent so much time communicating a clear vision on where he wants to lead America.

Among other things, the President supports increasing the number of green cards that can lead to citizenship. He is seeking the rational middle ground. He wants a system that is secure, orderly and fair.

The House of Representatives passed their bill and the Senate passed their version just before the Memorial Day Recess. Both Houses will return this Tuesday and the White House will be working with them to craft a compromise.

In conclusion, let me — once again — thank all of the veterans here tonight for their sacrifices on behalf of our country. It is because of them that we are all able to enjoy the freedoms and blessings of our country. These veterans are TRUE Americans. There is nothing more American than wearing the uniform of our country and serving in the armed forces. The courage, devotion to duty, and sacrifice of our Chinese American veterans are an inspiration and a shining example of the best our country has to offer.

May God bless you. And may God bless America.