[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