[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 5, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24363-24364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-10728]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 5, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 24363]]

                Proclamation 8508 of April 29, 2010

                
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage 
                Month, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For centuries, America's story has been tied to the 
                Pacific. Generations of brave men and women have 
                crossed this vast ocean, seeking better lives and 
                opportunities, and weaving their rich heritage into our 
                cultural tapestry. During Asian American and Pacific 
                Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable 
                contributions these diverse peoples have made to our 
                Nation.

                Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shared 
                common struggles throughout their histories in 
                America--including efforts to overcome racial, social, 
                and religious discrimination. This year marks the 100th 
                anniversary of the Angel Island Immigration Station in 
                San Francisco Bay, a milestone that reminds us of an 
                unjust time in our history. For three decades, 
                immigrants from across the Pacific arrived at Angel 
                Island, where they were subject to harsh interrogations 
                and exams, and confined in crowded, unsanitary 
                barracks. Many who were not turned back by racially 
                prejudiced immigration laws endured hardship, 
                injustice, and deplorable conditions as miners, 
                railroad builders, and farm workers.

                Despite these obstacles, Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders have persevered and flourished, achieving 
                success in every sector of American life. They stood 
                shoulder to shoulder with their fellow citizens during 
                the civil rights movement; they have served proudly in 
                our Armed Forces; and they have prospered as leaders in 
                business, academia, and public service.

                This month, as we honor all Americans who trace their 
                ancestry to Asia and the Pacific Islands, we must 
                acknowledge the challenges they still face. Today, many 
                Asian American and Pacific Islander families experience 
                unemployment and poverty, as well as significant 
                education and health disparities. They are at high risk 
                for diabetes and hepatitis, and the number of diagnoses 
                for HIV/AIDS has increased in recent years.

                We must recognize and properly address these critical 
                concerns so all Americans can reach their full 
                potential. That is why my Administration reestablished 
                both the White House Initiative and the President's 
                Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders (AAPI). These partnerships include leaders 
                from across our Government and the AAPI community, 
                dedicated to improving the quality of life and 
                opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders.

                Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a vast and 
                diverse community, some native to the United States, 
                hailing from Hawaii and our Pacific Island territories. 
                Others trace their heritage to dozens of countries. All 
                are treasured citizens who enrich our Nation in 
                countless ways, and help fulfill the promise of the 
                American dream which has drawn so many to our shores.

                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 2010, as Asian 
                American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call 
                upon all Americans

[[Page 24364]]

                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 
                twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-10728
Filed 5-4-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P