For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 7, 2001
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2001
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
As we move into the 21st century, the United
States continues to greatly benefit from the contributions of its
diverse citizenry. Among those who have influenced our
country, Asian/Pacific Americans merit special
recognition. Their achievements have greatly enriched our
quality of life and have helped to determine the course of our Nation's
future.
Many immigrants of Asian heritage
came to the United States in the nineteenth century to work in the
agricultural and transportation industries. Laboring under
very difficult conditions, they helped construct the western half of
the first transcontinental railroad. Their hard work was
invaluable in linking together the East and West coasts, thus vastly
expanding economic growth and development across the
country. Over time, other immigrants journeyed to America
from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Asian
Subcontinent. Today, Asian/Pacific Americans are one of the
fastest growing segments of our population, having increased in number
from fewer than 1.5 million in 1970 to approximately 10.5 million in
2000.
Asian/Pacific Americans bring to our
society a rich cultural heritage representing many languages,
ethnicities, and religious traditions. Whether in government,
business, science, technology, or the arts, Asian/Pacific Americans
have added immeasurably to the prosperity and vitality of our
society. As family members, citizens, and involved members
of the community, they reinforce the values and ideals that are
essential to the continued well-being of our Nation.
Diversity represents one of our greatest
strengths, and we must strive to ensure that all Americans have the
opportunity to reach their full potential. By recognizing
the accomplishments and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans, our
Nation celebrates the importance of inclusion in building a brighter
future for all our citizens.
To honor the
achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress, by Public Law
102-450, has designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific
American Heritage Month."
NOW, THEREFORE, I,
GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of
the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 2001, as Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to
learn more about the contributions and history of Asian/Pacific
Americans and to celebrate the role they have played in our national
story.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year
of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
George
W. Bush
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