Please sign this petition to show your support of the U.S. Postal Service creating a stamp in honor of the Chinese railroad workers who helped construct America’s first Transcontinental Railroad from 1865 to 1869. The stamp is to commemorate the 150th Anniversary on May 10, 2019 of the Transcontinental Railroad's completion on May 10, 1869 near Ogden, Utah.

Approximately 12,000 Chinese immigrant laborers worked under brutal conditions to build the railroad – one of the greatest feats of engineering in its day, which connected the nation from coast-to-coast – by laying tracks, breaking through granite and planting explosives that blasted through mountains. The workers are credited with playing an integral role in the growth of America, and being a key part of U.S. history.

The 12,000 Chinese railroad workers who helped construct the railroad comprised more than 80 percent of the workforce. Nearly 1,200 workers died from the harsh winters and dangerous working conditions which included accidents, avalanches and explosions while working in the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They also faced prejudice; were paid lower wages than other workers, and later organized for fairer pay and safer working conditions.

Your signature on this petition will help convey the strong public support needed for consideration by the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, as called for by the legislation introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY) on February 5, 2015 to convey Congressional support for the creation of the stamp (seehttps://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-resolution/94/text).