New Delhi, July 2 -- California has officially designated May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, making martial arts icon Bruce Lee the first Chinese American in the state's history to receive an annual namesake day.

Gavin Newsom signed the legislation on Tuesday, officially establishing May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, according to the office of Matt Haney, who represents San Francisco.

The date marks Lee's return to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, when he came back to the United States at the age of 18 after spending much of his childhood in Hong Kong.

Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee, who heads the Bruce Lee Foundation, said the recognition reflects her father's lasting impact as a bridge between cultures.

She said Lee inspired generations by giving young peo...