[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

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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.