For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 1, 2003
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America is strengthened by the rich cultural diversity of our
people, and we are blessed to be a Nation that welcomes individuals of
all races, religions, and cultural backgrounds. The values and
traditions of the Asian/Pacific-American community -- love of family,
entrepreneurship, excellence in education, and community service --
have strengthened us as a Nation. During Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions of these talented and
hard-working citizens and recognize their rich legacy of ingenuity,
perseverance, and achievement.
Many Asian/Pacific immigrants came to America to discover the
promise of our Nation and to realize their dreams. Their contributions
were critical in establishing a robust economy. Asian/Pacific
Americans also worked tirelessly to build our national railroad
infrastructure, paving the way for our western expansion and growth as
a world leader. Generations of Asian/Pacific Americans have proudly
served our Nation with honor and courage in wars and conflicts,
including most recently in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom. Today, as in the past, their dedication and service
to advancing peace in a troubled world upholds the values that make our
country strong.
Asian/Pacific Americans are also helping to shape America's
future. As entrepreneurs, artists, educators, public servants,
scientists, and explorers, they challenge the minds of our next
generation, expand commerce and innovation, probe the frontiers of
space, and search for cures for the world's diseases. Our children are
also inspired by the contributions and sacrifices of dedicated
individuals such as inventor An Wang, experimental physicist
Chien-Shiung Wu, Challenger astronaut Ellison Onizuka, Columbia
astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
Since the earliest days of America, people from all cultures have
traveled to our Nation seeking the promise of freedom, opportunity, and
justice. As an integral part of our society, Americans of Asian and
Pacific heritage share in the pursuit of this American Dream. I join
with all Americans in celebrating this rich and diverse culture, and I
encourage every citizen to recognize the role of Asian/Pacific
Americans in building and sustaining our Nation.
To honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress
by Public Law 102-450 as amended, 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, do hereby proclaim May 2003 as Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Month. I call upon our citizens to learn more about the
history of Asian/Pacific Americans and how they have contributed to the
culture and heritage of our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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