Dr. James S. C. Chao and Secretary Elaine Chao Are Grand Marshals of The First Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade in New York City
May 15, 2022
On Sunday, May 15, 2022, well known and much respected philanthropist Dr. James S. C. Chao, and Secretary Elaine Chao, the first Asian American woman ever appointed to the President’s cabinet are Grand Marshals to lead the first ever Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Parade in New York City. The parade takes place along a 11-block route in downtown Manhattan between 44th and 55th Street on 6th Avenue. Both Dr. Chao and Secretary Chao were delighted to be invited to be the Grand Marshals in the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade in New York City. Secretary Chao said, “My father, Dr. James S. C. Chao, and I are very honored to be asked to be Grand Marshals celebrating the first ever Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States representing over 6% of the U.S. population.”
Dr. Chao said, “I have been in America for over 60 years and I am honored and humbled to be Grand Marshal with my daughter, Secretary Elaine Chao, to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and I am confident the future will bring continued progress and increasing representation in the leadership of our country.”
In 1990, President George H W Bush signed a joint resolution designating the month of May as Asian American Heritage Month. Two years later he signed it into law. For over 30 years, Americans have celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout the month of May.