[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