[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25515-25516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11062]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 87 / Thursday, May 5, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 25515]]

                Proclamation 8659 of April 29, 2011

                
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage 
                Month, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                This month, our Nation celebrates the contributions and 
                accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders (AAPI). Our AAPI communities have roots that 
                span the globe, but their stories of striving and 
                success are uniquely American. As we celebrate Asian 
                American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we 
                recognize the entrepreneurship and fortitude of 
                individuals who have helped build our country and shape 
                the American dream for centuries.

                Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
                have helped develop and defend the United States, often 
                in the face of tremendous racial and cultural 
                prejudice. Despite these difficulties, AAPI men and 
                women struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to build a 
                better life for their children and all Americans.

                Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a 
                profound impact on our society as leaders in all facets 
                of American life, thriving as athletes and public 
                servants, entrepreneurs and artists. Whether as small 
                business owners or as proud members of the United 
                States Armed Forces, Asian Americans and Pacific 
                Islanders are helping to write the next chapter of the 
                American story.

                Although many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
                have achieved success, far too many still struggle to 
                overcome obstacles of unemployment, poverty, and 
                language barriers or face significant education, 
                economic, and health disparities. To help address the 
                diverse challenges affecting our AAPI communities, I 
                reestablished the White House Initiative on Asian 
                Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Initiative 
                coordinates the efforts of agencies throughout the 
                Federal Government to promote increased access to and 
                participation in Federal programs for Asian Americans 
                and Pacific Islanders who remain underserved, so we can 
                continue to be a Nation where all things are possible 
                for all people. All Americans can visit www.AAPI.gov to 
                learn more about the important work of this Initiative.

                From our earliest days, intrepid men and women from the 
                Asia-Pacific region have forged enduring links between 
                America and other nations as they moved across the 
                Pacific. In today's globalized world, these bonds 
                remain critical, reminding the United States of our 
                rich shared history and integrated future with the 
                dynamic Asia-Pacific region. During Asian American and 
                Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let us celebrate the 
                millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose 
                talents and contributions strengthen our economy, 
                protect our security, and enliven our country every 
                day.

                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 2011 as Asian 
                American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call 
                upon all Americans to visit 
                www.AsianPacificHeritage.gov to learn more about the 
                history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and 
                to observe this month with appropriate programs and 
                activities.

[[Page 25516]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-11062
Filed 5-4-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P