    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 10, 2007]
    [Pages 560-561]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and
    Presentation of the President's Volunteer Service Awards
    May 10, 2007

        Thank you all. Please be seated. Please be seated. Thanks for
    coming, and welcome to the White House. I'm glad you're here. Fifteen
    years ago, my dad--or as we call him around
    the house, ``number 41''--signed a law designating May as Asian Pacific
    American Heritage Month. This afternoon, number 43--[laughter]--has the
    honor of continuing number 41's tradition. And we're glad you're here.
        I thank you for joining me to celebrate Asian Pacific American
    Heritage Month. Across our Nation, Americans of Asian Pacific descent
    are leaders in fields from education to business to government. Every
    day, Asian Pacific Americans make our communities more vibrant, and this
    afternoon we honor the many contributions that are made to our great
    democracy.
        I want to thank Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao for being here today. Madam Secretary, we're proud you're
    here. Thank you for serving. A former member of my Cabinet, now
    retired--well, not exactly retired--[laughter]--but a close friend: Norm
    Mineta is with us. Thanks for coming, Mr.
    Secretary. You're looking pretty good. Yes, I see that. [Laughter] I
    appreciate the fact that Deputy Secretary of Commerce David
    Sampson is here. He cannot claim any Asian
    American heritage, but nevertheless, he is serving well. [Laughter]
    Thank you for coming.
        I appreciate the members of the President's Advisory Commission on
    Asian American and Pacific Islanders who are here today. Thanks for
    serving. Thanks for your good work. I want to thank the recipients of
    the President's Volunteer Service Award. We will talk about you all a
    little later on here. But we're honored you're here.
        I do want to thank the members of the diplomatic corps who have
    joined us. Ambassadors, thank you for being here. We're honored to
    have--by your presence.
        I do want to thank World War II veterans and Japanese American
    veterans who have joined us today. We're proud to have you here, and
    thanks for this great example you've set for those who wear the uniform
    today. We're really glad you're here.
        The story of Asian Pacific Americans is an important part of the
    American story. During the 19th century, Asian Pacific Americans endured
    great hardships, for example, to lay the tracks for our first
    transcontinental railroad. During times of war, Asian Pacific Americans
    have defended our Nation with honor and courage. And during times of
    prejudice, Asian Pacific Americans have overcome discrimination to build
    strong and lasting communities in our country.
        Today, more than 15 million Americans can trace their lineage to
    Asia or the Pacific Islands. We see the influence of these Asian Pacific
    Americans across all our society. All you have to do is look to see the
    tremendous impact our fellow citizens are making. It's a great passion
    for art and music which brings new culture--new life to our cultures.
    The love of learning has helped improve our schools and raise the
    standards for all children. A commitment to innovation and free
    enterprise has helped strengthen our economy and created jobs.
        In 2004, I formed a Presidential advisory commission to examine ways
    of expanding economic opportunities for Asian Pacific Americans. And
    tomorrow I will receive the commission's final report, and I'm looking
    forward to getting it.
        As Asian Pacific Americans realize the opportunities of our Nation,
    they're also answering the call to give back to our communities, and by
    doing so, they create new

    [[Page 561]]

    opportunities for others. Men and women of Asian Pacific descent
    volunteer their talents and time to help their neighbors in a lot of
    ways. This afternoon, we honor six Americans of Asian Pacific heritage
    with our Nation's highest honor for community service: the President's
    Volunteer Service Award.
        The volunteers we recognize have set a powerful example for all
    Americans. They have served important causes, from providing aid to
    victims of natural disasters to sharing the joy of science with students
    to raising money for libraries in far away lands. These acts of kindness
    have changed lives; they've laid the foundation for stronger
    communities; and they really speak to the strength of America. Our
    strength is not our military, although we'll keep it strong, and our
    strength is not necessarily the size of our economy, although we'll keep
    it robust. The true strength of the country lies in the hearts and souls
    of citizens who hear the call to love a neighbor and do something about
    it.
        One of the honorees is a Virginia Tech student. I had the privilege
    of meeting Adeel Khan. See, Adeel is the
    president of the student government at Virginia Tech. He took office
    shortly before the terrible violence hit that campus. He's had what we
    call a difficult presidency. [Laughter] And yet he understood the need
    for leadership. He's an impressive guy. He worked hard with classmates
    to organize a campuswide vigil. He helped bring that important community
    together. He dealt with the tragedy the way you'd expect a leader to
    deal with tragedy. This good young man helped lead his fellow students
    in healing. And we ought to know, as he did so, it helped heal the
    entire Nation.
        We see the true spirit of the Asian Pacific American community in
    the compassion and decency of citizens like Adeel. We're grateful for the many contributions that Asian
    Pacific Americans have made to our Nation. We're proud to celebrate
    Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I congratulate all the honorees.
    And now I ask Lieutenant Commander Roncska
    to read their citations.

     [At this point, Lt. Cmdr. Robert A. Roncska, USN, Navy Aide to the
    President, read the citations, and the President presented the awards.]

        I--thank you all for coming today. In our diversity, we find our
    strength; in our hearts, we find such wonderful compassion. Thank you
    all for setting a great example. May God bless you all, and may God
    continue to bless the United States of America. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:26 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. The Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month proclamation is listed
    in Appendix D at the end of this volume.