    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9867 of April 30, 2019

    Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    The contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent are
    firmly woven into the diverse fabric of our Nation. During Asian
    American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the
    remarkable accomplishments of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander
    heritage that have enriched our great country and helped define our
    history. These Americans bolster our economy as entrepreneurs, business
    owners, and employees who initiate and expand opportunities for their
    families, communities, and country. Their languages, art, cuisine, and
    other cultural elements have enriched the American experience, and many
    have fearlessly answered the call of duty to defend our freedom as
    members of our Armed Forces.
    Japanese American Ellison Onizuka embodied the pioneering spirit of
    America. Colonel Onizuka served as a flight test engineer and pilot in
    the United States Air Force, and in 1978, he was chosen for the NASA
    astronaut program. His first mission took place aboard the Space Shuttle
    Discovery, where he completed 74 hours in space and 48 orbits around the
    Earth--becoming the first Asian American to enter space. Tragically, his
    next assignment was as a crewmember onboard the Space Shuttle
    Challenger. He, along with six other brave Americans, perished in the
    horrific accident that ended the mission. Colonel Onizuka was
    posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor for his
    achievements and sacrifice for our country.
    The son of Chinese immigrants, Hiram Fong was yet another of the many
    great Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who have made
    profound contributions to the American enterprise. As a military
    veteran, lawyer, and businessman from Hawaii, he was the first ever
    American of Asian ancestry elected to the United States Senate. His
    legacy of public service and entrepreneurship continues to be an
    encouragement for others to achieve the American Dream.
    This month, we honor the more than 20 million Asian Americans and
    Pacific Islanders who call America home, and we express our sincere
    gratitude to all those who are selflessly serving in the Armed Forces.
    We recognize the achievements of Americans of Asian American and

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    Pacific Islander heritage in education, business, science, the arts,
    government, and the Armed Forces, which have strengthened our Nation. We
    celebrate their story as a unique part of the American story.
    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 2019 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 nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP