[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8659 of April 29, 2011

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This month, our Nation celebrates the contributions and accomplishments
of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Our AAPI communities
have roots that span the globe, but their stories of striving and
success are uniquely American. As we celebrate Asian American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the entrepreneurship and
fortitude of individuals who have helped build our country and shape the
American dream for centuries.
Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped develop
and defend the United States, often in the face of tremendous racial and
cultural prejudice. Despite these difficulties, AAPI men and women
struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to build a better life for their
children and all Americans.
Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a profound impact on
our society as leaders in all facets of American life, thriving as
athletes and public servants, entrepreneurs and artists. Whether as
small business owners or as proud members of the United States Armed
Forces, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are helping to write the
next chapter of the American story.
Although many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have achieved
success, far too many still struggle to overcome obstacles of
unemployment, poverty, and language barriers or face significant
education, economic, and health disparities. To help address the diverse
challenges affecting our AAPI communities, I reestablished the White
House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The
Initiative coordinates the efforts of agencies throughout the Federal
Government to promote increased access to and participation in Federal
programs for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who remain
underserved, so we can continue to be a Nation where all things are
possible for all people. All Americans can visit www.AAPI.gov to learn
more about the important work of this Initiative.
From our earliest days, intrepid men and women from the Asia-Pacific
region have forged enduring links between America and other nations as
they moved across the Pacific. In today's globalized world, these bonds
remain critical, reminding the United States of our rich shared history
and integrated future with the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. During Asian
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let us celebrate the
millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose talents and
contributions strengthen our economy, protect our security, and enliven
our country every day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as Asian
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans
to visit www.AsianPacificHeritage.gov to learn

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more about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to
observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA