[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2001)]
[Pages 715-716]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7434--Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2001

 May 7, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    As we move into the 21st century, the United States continues to 
greatly benefit from the contributions of its diverse citizenry. Among 
those who have influenced our country, Asian/Pacific Americans merit 
special recognition. Their achievements have greatly enriched our 
quality of life and have helped to determine the course of our Nation's 
future.

[[Page 716]]

    Many immigrants of Asian heritage came to the United States in the 
nineteenth century to work in the agricultural and transportation 
industries. Laboring under very difficult conditions, they helped 
construct the western half of the first transcontinental railroad. Their 
hard work was invaluable in linking together the East and West coasts, 
thus vastly expanding economic growth and development across the 
country. Over time, other immigrants journeyed to America from East 
Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Asian Subcontinent. Today, Asian/Pacific 
Americans are one of the fastest growing segments of our population, 
having increased in number from fewer than 1.5 million in 1970 to 
approximately 10.5 million in 2000.
    Asian/Pacific Americans bring to our society a rich cultural 
heritage representing many languages, ethnicities, and religious 
traditions. Whether in government, business, science, technology, or the 
arts, Asian/Pacific Americans have added immeasurably to the prosperity 
and vitality of our society. As family members, citizens, and involved 
members of the community, they reinforce the values and ideals that are 
essential to the continued well-being of our Nation.
    Diversity represents one of our greatest strengths, and we must 
strive to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to reach their 
full potential. By recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of 
Asian/Pacific Americans, our Nation celebrates the importance of 
inclusion in building a brighter future for all our citizens.
    To honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress, 
by Public Law 102-450, 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, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2001, as Asian/
Pacific American Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United 
States to learn more about the contributions and history of Asian/
Pacific Americans and to celebrate the role they have played in our 
national story.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 9, 2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 10.