[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25889-25890]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-10895]



[[Page 25887]]

Vol. 80

Tuesday,

No. 86

May 5, 2015

Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 9266--Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 
2015



Proclamation 9267--National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2015



Proclamation 9268--Older Americans Month, 2015



Proclamation 9269--Loyalty Day, 2015
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  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 86 / Tuesday, May 5, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 25889]]

                Proclamation 9266 of April 30, 2015

                
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage 
                Month, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, 
                and Pacific Islanders spans the world and the depths of 
                America's history. Generation after generation, Asian 
                Americans and Pacific Islanders have forged a proud 
                legacy that reflects the spirit of our Nation--a 
                country that values the contributions of everyone who 
                calls America home. During Asian American and Pacific 
                Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we honor the 
                perseverance of those who courageously reached for 
                their hopes and dreams in a new land, and we celebrate 
                the important impact the AAPI community has made on our 
                Nation's progress.

                From the more than one million immigrants who journeyed 
                across the Pacific and arrived on Angel Island to the 
                Chinese-American laborers who risked their lives to 
                link our coasts by rail, the determination of this 
                vibrant community represents the best of our national 
                character. In each chapter of our country's story--in 
                places like Selma and the grape fields of Delano, 
                during the moments where our Nation's destiny has been 
                decided--AAPIs of all backgrounds have set inspiring 
                examples as leaders and trailblazers, united by a 
                common hope for civil rights, equal treatment, and a 
                better tomorrow for all Americans.

                Through times of hardship and in the face of enduring 
                prejudice, these women and men have persisted and 
                forged ahead to help strengthen our Union. Native 
                Hawaiians have fought to protect their treasured 
                traditions, language, and lands. And AAPI patriots have 
                defended the beliefs for which we stand. Seventy years 
                ago, the United States and our allies secured a lasting 
                peace throughout the Asia Pacific region and much of 
                the world--a victory achieved in part by thousands of 
                Filipino Americans who fought valiantly but were denied 
                compensation, and also by Japanese Americans who served 
                this country even as the freedom of their loved ones 
                was denied.

                Fifty years ago, the United States opened new doors of 
                opportunity to more Asian and Pacific Islander 
                immigrants through the Immigration and Nationality Act 
                of 1965, ending the arbitrary and outdated policies 
                that unfairly limited the potential of entire regions. 
                This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the end of 
                the Vietnam War, which brought new Vietnamese, 
                Cambodian, Hmong, and Laotian communities to this 
                country. But as we recognize the enormous progress 
                America has made, we must also acknowledge the many 
                struggles AAPIs continue to experience in the face of 
                persistent inequality and bigotry, including barriers 
                to equal access to education, employment, and health 
                care. South Asian Americans--especially those who are 
                Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh--too often face senseless 
                violence and harassment due only to the color of their 
                skin or the tenets of their faith. And to this day, 
                many AAPIs continue to live in the shadows and are 
                separated from their families due to our broken 
                immigration system.

                My Administration is committed to addressing these 
                unmet needs and the ugly discrimination that still 
                exists. I was proud to re-establish the White House 
                Initiative on AAPIs soon after I took office, to foster 
                opportunities for increased access to and involvement 
                in Federal programs. As part of

[[Page 25890]]

                that effort, my Administration is expanding its 
                regional network of Federal leaders and hosting 
                community meetings across the country to better 
                understand the needs of the diverse AAPI community. 
                Last year, I announced my intent to take actions that 
                would allow more high-skilled immigrants, graduates, 
                and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our 
                economy, and I continue to call on the Congress to pass 
                comprehensive immigration reform. To highlight the 
                tremendous growth of the AAPI community and my 
                Administration's commitment to increasing opportunity 
                for AAPIs everywhere, this month we will host the White 
                House Summit on AAPIs--an unprecedented and historic 
                all-day convening of senior Federal officials and 
                community leaders from across the country.

                As we commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander 
                Heritage Month, we pay tribute to all those in the AAPI 
                community who have striven for a brighter future for 
                the next generation. Together, let us recommit to 
                embracing the diversity that enriches our Nation and to 
                ensuring all our people have an equal chance to succeed 
                in the country we love.

                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 2015 as Asian 
                American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call 
                upon all Americans to visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/AAPI to 
                learn more about our efforts on behalf 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 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-10895
Filed 5-4-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5