    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 12, 2006]
    [Pages 922-924]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and a
    Presentation of the President's Volunteer Service Awards
    May 12, 2006

        Thank you all. Welcome. Please be seated. Welcome to the White
    House. I like to call it the People's House. I'm glad you could join us
    today to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This is the
    month we recognize the many accomplishments of Americans who trace their
    origins to the Asian-Pacific region, and we honor the contributions they
    make to our great land.
        Across our country, Asian Pacific Americans are making their mark in
    all walks

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    of life, including business and law and politics and education,
    community service, the arts, and science. Today, more Asian Pacific
    Americans serve in my administration than in any other administration in
    history, and two of them serve in my Cabinet. And today--[applause]--and
    I am delighted to recognize Secretary Elaine Chao and Secretary Norm Mineta and
    thank them for their great work for our country.
        I want to thank Ray Pamintuan--he is the
    Chairman of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and
    Pacific Islanders. And I want to thank all the other Commission members
    who are here. I enjoyed my visit. Thank you for serving.
        I want to thank the members of the 442d Regimental Combat Team who
    are here today. Thank you all for coming. God bless you. Veterans who
    have set such a fine example for those who wear the uniform today. And I
    would like to welcome the men and women in uniform who have joined us
    today. Thank you all for being here. Thank you for your service.
        These men and women are on the frontline of defending the United
    States of America, and in so doing, they're laying the foundation of
    peace for generations to come. And we are really proud of your service.
        Fourteen million Americans can claim ancestry from the Asian-Pacific
    region. Through a commitment to educational excellence, you help raise
    standards and show that the American Dream is within reach for all who
    study hard and persevere. Through your love of family and community, you
    help unite us as a people. Through entrepreneurship and innovation, you
    have strengthened our economy, creating jobs for other--and thereby
    contributing to the opportunity of this Nation.
        In 2004, I created the President's Advisory Commission on Asian
    American and Pacific Islanders to improve the opportunities for small-
    business development. And to keep this good work moving forward, I
    signed an Executive order this morning that renews the Commission for
    another year.
        America has thrived as a nation because we've always welcomed
    newcomers who, in turn, embrace our values and our way of life. Every
    immigrant who lives by these values makes our country better and makes
    our future brighter as ``one Nation under God.''
        We're grateful to the many Asian Pacific Americans who serve our
    Nation in many ways. I just honored those who serve our Nation by
    wearing the uniform, but there are all kinds of ways to serve America.
    The President's Volunteer Service Award is the highest honor given in
    recognition of those who have contributed their time and their talents
    to those in need.
        I created this award because I understand the great strength of the
    United States of America is not found in our military, and it's
    certainly not because of the size of our wallets. It's because the
    strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of generous
    citizens who answer to a universal call to love a neighbor like you'd
    like to be loved yourself.
        Five folks here today have earned this award by volunteering to
    improve the communities in which they live and thereby helping our
    fellow citizens. They've heard that call to serve something greater than
    themselves. And by the way, by answering the call, they've inspired
    others to serve; you just don't know it.
        Volunteers we recognize have brought care and outreach to veterans
    and men and women in uniform; they've helped children learn to read;
    they've extended food and shelter to hurricane victims in our gulf
    coast; they've helped underprivileged high school students prepare their
    SATs; and they've aided immigrants who have recently arrived in our
    country. They have served our Nation in distinct ways and, in so doing,
    have made America a better place to live.
        I am proud of the achievements, the many achievements of our
    citizens of Asian

    [[Page 924]]

    and Pacific Island heritage. You really have enriched America by your
    contributions. You've made us a better land. And the five we honor today
    have done so in a unique way. And so I join all Americans in
    congratulating you and wishing you continued success of your work. I
    want to thank you for what you've done. I ask God's blessings on all who
    are here and their families as well as our great Nation.
        And now I ask the commander to please read the citations that will
    enable me to award the volunteer awards to you.

    [At this point, Lt. Cmdr. Geoff Gagnier, Coast Guard Aide to the
    President, read the citations, and the President presented the awards.]

        Now you can see why I love an event such as these. [Laughter] What a
    great country we have. And I want to thank you all for being active
    citizens in the greatest land on the face of the Earth.
        May God bless you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:07 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Rudy Pamintuan, Chairman,
    President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific
    Islanders. The Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month proclamation of
    April 28 is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.