[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9733 of April 30, 2018

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have contributed
immeasurably to our Nation's development and diversity as a people.
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize
their tremendous contributions, which have helped strengthen our
communities, industries, Armed Forces, national security, and
institutions of governance. Through their industriousness and love of
country, our Nation has enjoyed the privileges and enrichments of
multiple innovations and societal advancements.
Indian American Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian descent to
fly in space, and became an American hero for her devotion to the Space
Shuttle program and its various missions transporting cargo and crew to
and from the International Space Station. For her achievements, the
Congress posthumously awarded her the Congressional Space Medal of
Honor, and the National Aeronautics and Space

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Administration (NASA) posthumously awarded her the NASA Space Flight
Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Ms. Chawla's courage and
passion continue to serve as an inspiration for millions of American
girls who dream of one day becoming astronauts. Susan Ahn Cuddy, who was
the daughter of the first Korean couple to immigrate to the United
States, also uplifted the Nation through strong work ethic, an
unwavering love of country, and a steadfast devotion to her life
mission, even in the face of great adversity. She was the first Asian-
American woman to join the U.S. Navy. During World War II, she excelled
as a code breaker and became the first female aerial gunnery officer in
the Naval Forces. Lieutenant Cuddy would go on to further serve her
country as an intelligence analyst at the National Security Agency.
America is a country that values hard work, an honest living, and a
commitment to the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
For these reasons, America cherishes its connections with the Indo-
Pacific region, which shares an appreciation for these principles.
Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage help to reinforce these
relationships, which are stronger today than ever before. As President,
I have visited and renewed ties with countries from which many proud
Americans hail, including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the
Philippines. During my visits to these countries, I shared my vision for
continued prosperity, peace, and security through a free and open Indo-
Pacific region. It is clear that a renewed sense of our common purpose
and goals has consolidated and strengthened our economic, cultural, and
security relationships.
This month, and every month, we honor the more than 20 million Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders who call America home, including those
living in Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Marianas, and we salute those who have served and are currently serving
our Nation in the Armed Forces. Together, we will continue to make our
country more prosperous and secure for all Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2018 as Asian
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The Congress, by Public
Law 102-450, as amended, has also designated the month of May each year
as ``Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.''; I encourage all Americans
to learn more about those of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and
Pacific Islander heritage, and to observe this month with appropriate
programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP