The community turned up to thank Norman Y. Mineta, extraordinary public servant and everybody’s friend, at a joyous celebration of his 80th birthday on November 12.

The celebration was held days later on November 30. Venue was the Phoenix Park Hotel in the nation’s capital.

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), chairman emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), toasted his mentor and friend: “Norm’s unyielding public service throughout the years is an example not just for the AAPI community, but for all Americans as a whole.”

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair said, “We come together to wish Norm a happy birthday and thank him for all that he’s done–as a trailblazer, public servant, and founder of CAPAC!

“As someone who spent part of his childhood in a Japanese internment camp, Norm has shown us throughout his career that we must use these experiences of injustice and discrimination to learn from the past and ensure that history does not repeat itself,” she added.

Remarked APAICS Board Chair Jim Park: “Today, a record number of AAPI candidates are serving in elected and appointed office at all levels and in regions we’ve never seen before. Norm saw the potential for the community, and helped build the foundation for the AAPI leaders today and many generations to come. Thank you Norm, and Happy Birthday!”

Mineta founded the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies in 1994.

Legacy

Mineta’s legacy is unmatched. Among other things, he is the only Asian American who has served in the cabinet of two Presidents from both parties.

In 2000, Mineta became the first Asian American cabinet member under the Clinton administration, serving as secretary of commerce. President George W. Bush named him to his cabinet. (Bush named two Asian Americans to his cabinet. Elaine L. Chao was secretary of labor.)

Mineta was the first minority and first Asian American city council member of San Jose, California, and the first Asian American elected mayor to a major U.S. city. He served for 20 years in Congress.

Mineta often credits his family, specifically his father, a leader in the Japanese American community, for his political longevity and his vision for the community. When asked what he wanted to be remembered for in a 2006 interview, Mineta replied: “That he got things done for people.”