[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 21241-21242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10710]



[[Page 21239]]

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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 8369--Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 
2009



Proclamation 8370--National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2009
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 6, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 21241]]

                Proclamation 8369 of May 1, 2009

                
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage 
                Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The vast diversity of languages, religions, and 
                cultural traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders continues to strengthen the fabric of 
                American society. From the arrival of the first Asian 
                American and Pacific Islander immigrants 150 years ago 
                to those who arrive today, as well as those native to 
                the Hawaiian Islands and to our Pacific Island 
                territories, all possess the common purpose of the 
                fulfilling the American dream and leading a life bound 
                by the American ideals of life, liberty, and the 
                pursuit of happiness.

                During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage 
                Month, we remember the challenges and celebrate the 
                achievements that define our history.

                Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have endured and 
                overcome hardship and heartache. In the earliest years, 
                tens of thousands of Gold Rush pioneers, coal miners, 
                transcontinental railroad builders, as well as farm and 
                orchard laborers, were subject to unjust working 
                conditions, prejudice, and discrimination----yet they 
                excelled. Even in the darkness of the Exclusion Act and 
                Japanese internment, Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders have persevered, providing for their families 
                and creating opportunities for their children.

                Amidst these struggles, Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders have contributed in great and significant 
                ways to all aspects of society. They have created works 
                of literature and art, thrived as American athletes, 
                and prospered in the world of academia. Asian Americans 
                and Pacific Islanders have played a vital role in our 
                Nation's economic and technological growth by 
                establishing successful enterprises and pushing the 
                limits of science. They are serving in positions of 
                leadership within the government more now than ever 
                before. And along with all of our great service men and 
                women, they have defended the United States from 
                threats at home and abroad, serving our Nation with 
                valor.

                From the beaches of the Pacific islands and the 
                California coast, the grasslands of Central Asia and 
                the bluegrass of Kentucky, and from the summits of the 
                Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains, the Asian American 
                and Pacific Islander community hails from near and far. 
                This is the story of our more perfect union: that it is 
                diversity itself that enriches, and is fundamental to, 
                the American story.

[[Page 21242]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009, as Asian 
                American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to learn more 
                about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders and to observe this month with appropriate 
                programs and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                nine, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-10710
Filed 5-5-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P