Clark County Commissioner April Becker will host a special ceremony at the iconic Welcome sign on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. to celebrate Filipino American History Month with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. The landmark will be illuminated in red, blue and yellow, colors found on the Philippine flag, to honor the history, culture and contributions of Filipino Americans in Southern Nevada.

“Filipino Americans have helped shape Southern Nevada for generations, building businesses, caring for patients, teaching our children and serving our country,” said Commissioner Becker. “Lighting this landmark in red, blue and yellow is Clark County’s way of saying thank you and inviting everyone to learn this history and join the celebration.”

“Lighting the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign in red, blue and yellow is a meaningful celebration of Filipino American History Month and a tribute to the generations of Filipinos who have contributed to the strength and diversity of our Southern Nevada community,” said Sally Balecha, president of the federation’s Desert Mountain Region. “We are proud to honor our history, celebrate our culture and heritage, and recognize the many contributions of Filipino Americans who continue to make a positive impact throughout Nevada. On behalf of NaFFAA Nevada and the Desert Mountain Region, we thank Clark County for joining us in this special celebration.”

Filipino American History Month, first proposed by the Filipino American National Historical Society in 1991, is observed each October to mark the arrival of the first Filipinos in what is now Morro Bay, California, on Oct. 18, 1587. Congress officially recognized the observance in 2009. The federation, known as NaFFAA, was formed in 1997 and is the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations and individuals.