    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7668 of April 30, 2003

    Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    America is strengthened by the rich cultural diversity of our people,
    and we are blessed to be a Nation that welcomes individuals of all
    races, religions, and cultural backgrounds. The values and traditions of
    the Asian/Pacific-American community--love of family, entrepreneurship,
    excellence in education, and community service--have strengthened us as
    a Nation. During Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the
    contributions of these talented and hard-working citizens and recognize
    their rich legacy of ingenuity, perseverance, and achievement.
    Many Asian/Pacific immigrants came to America to discover the promise of
    our Nation and to realize their dreams. Their contributions were

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    critical in establishing a robust economy. Asian/Pacific Americans also
    worked tirelessly to build our national railroad infrastructure, paving
    the way for our western expansion and growth as a world leader.
    Generations of Asian/Pacific Americans have proudly served our Nation
    with honor and courage in wars and conflicts, including most recently in
    Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, as in the
    past, their dedication and service to advancing peace in a troubled
    world upholds the values that make our country strong.
    Asian/Pacific Americans are also helping to shape America's future. As
    entrepreneurs, artists, educators, public servants, scientists, and
    explorers, they challenge the minds of our next generation, expand
    commerce and innovation, probe the frontiers of space, and search for
    cures for the world's diseases. Our children are also inspired by the
    contributions and sacrifices of dedicated individuals such as inventor
    An Wang, experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, Challenger astronaut
    Ellison Onizuka, Columbia astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and sculptor Isamu
    Noguchi.
    Since the earliest days of America, people from all cultures have
    traveled to our Nation seeking the promise of freedom, opportunity, and
    justice. As an integral part of our society, Americans of Asian and
    Pacific heritage share in the pursuit of this American Dream. I join
    with all Americans in celebrating this rich and diverse culture, and I
    encourage every citizen to recognize the role of Asian/Pacific Americans
    in building and sustaining our Nation.
    To honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress by
    Public Law 102-450 as amended, has designated the month of May each year
    as ``Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.''
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim May 2003 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage
    Month. I call upon our citizens to learn more about the history of
    Asian/Pacific Americans and how they have contributed to the culture and
    heritage of our Nation.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH