On May 12, a heartwarming Mother’s Day celebration took place in Flushing, organized by the Flushing Chinese Business Association. This marked the 13th annual “Happy Mothers” event, as well as a celebration of Asian Heritage Month in the greater New York area. Elected officials at the national, state, and city levels, along with community representatives, personally attended the event to wish 60 “Happy Mothers” a joyous Mother’s Day. They presented commendations to honor these mothers for their selfless dedication to their families and contributions to the community.
Chairman Wang Yaoming and Chief Advisor Du Peter of the Flushing Chinese Business Association expressed that they have been hosting this event since 2010 to showcase the greatness of every mother and promote the traditional Chinese values of filial piety and respect for the elderly. The “Happy Mothers” event has become a significant tradition on Mother’s Day, with this year marking the 13th consecutive year. Over 700 “Happy Mothers” have been celebrated through this initiative.
Founder of the “Happy Mothers” event, Du Peter, stated, “This carries a significant meaning of passing down values. We are culturally proving our worth in America and showing respect for our cultural values, including traditional filial piety.”
Among the 60 “Happy Mothers” honored were those from three generations or more, including two elderly mothers aged 94, Mu Xiangshu and Wang Yuxiu, as well as the youngest at 56. They came together in Flushing to receive blessings from their loved ones. The event featured commendations and well-wishes from representatives at all levels of government, as guests enjoyed a luncheon and performances such as magic acts and a children’s fashion show.
One of the honored mothers, Alina Chang, immigrated to the U.S. in 2010 and now lives with three generations – her son, daughter, and grandchild. She shared her journey of initially facing language barriers and various challenges upon arriving in America but persevering in caring for and nurturing her children. Her son has completed his university education, and her daughter is about to enter college. Each year, her daughter sings the U.S. national anthem at the event, reflecting Alina’s approach to education – emphasizing perseverance and hard work. Alina encourages her children to “strive to learn and do their best, no matter what challenges they face.”
Moreover, Alina has experienced the difficulties of being a new immigrant but finds satisfaction and optimism in witnessing her own and other immigrants gradually adapting to life in America.
At the event, Chief Advisor Du Peter of the Chinese Business Association presented the Presidential Volunteer Award to four individuals, including Anita and Connie, both long-time volunteers of the association, as well as Emily Huang and XinYi Liu, who have been involved in organizing events and parades. District Attorney Melinda Katz awarded them with medals in recognition of their service.
Notable figures such as State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, City Comptroller Brad Lander, Congresswoman Grace Meng, State Assemblyman Ron Kim, State Senator John Liu, City Council Member Minerva Huang, Precinct Commander Kevin Coleman, representative Adam Chen from the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and Queensborough Community College President Christine Mangino attended the event to extend their well wishes to all mothers and wish them a “Happy Mother’s Day” collectively.