[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 18 (Monday, May 5, 2003)]
[Pages 510-511]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7668--Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2003

April 30, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America is strengthened by the rich cultural diversity of our 
people, and we are blessed to be a Nation that welcomes individuals of 
all races, religions, and cultural backgrounds. The values and 
traditions of the Asian/Pacific-American community--love of family, 
entrepreneurship, excellence in education, and community service--have

[[Page 511]]

strengthened us as a Nation. During Asian/Pacific American Heritage 
Month, we celebrate the contributions of these talented and hard-working 
citizens and recognize their rich legacy of ingenuity, perseverance, and 
achievement.
    Many Asian/Pacific immigrants came to America to discover the 
promise of our Nation and to realize their dreams. Their contributions 
were critical in establishing a robust economy. Asian/Pacific Americans 
also worked tirelessly to build our national railroad infrastructure, 
paving the way for our western expansion and growth as a world leader. 
Generations of Asian/Pacific Americans have proudly served our Nation 
with honor and courage in wars and conflicts, including most recently in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, as in the 
past, their dedication and service to advancing peace in a troubled 
world upholds the values that make our country strong.
    Asian/Pacific Americans are also helping to shape America's future. 
As entrepreneurs, artists, educators, public servants, scientists, and 
explorers, they challenge the minds of our next generation, expand 
commerce and innovation, probe the frontiers of space, and search for 
cures for the world's diseases. Our children are also inspired by the 
contributions and sacrifices of dedicated individuals such as inventor 
An Wang, experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, Challenger astronaut 
Ellison Onizuka, Columbia astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and sculptor Isamu 
Noguchi.
    Since the earliest days of America, people from all cultures have 
traveled to our Nation seeking the promise of freedom, opportunity, and 
justice. As an integral part of our society, Americans of Asian and 
Pacific heritage share in the pursuit of this American Dream. I join 
with all Americans in celebrating this rich and diverse culture, and I 
encourage every citizen to recognize the role of Asian/Pacific Americans 
in building and sustaining our Nation.
    To honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress 
by Public Law 102-450 as amended, 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, do hereby proclaim May 2003 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage 
Month. I call upon our citizens to learn more about the history of 
Asian/Pacific Americans and how they have contributed to the culture and 
heritage of our Nation.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 2, 2003]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 1, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
5.