AANHPI Heritage Month, observed each May in the United States, began as "Asian Pacific Heritage Week" in 1979, proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter. It was officially designated as AAPI Heritage Month in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush, extending the celebration to the entire month of May. The month honors the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in May 1869, largely built by Chinese immigrants. AANHPI Heritage Month celebrates the diverse achievements and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, highlighting their varied cultures, religions, foods, and languages.