    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 17 (Monday, May 1, 2006)]
    [Page 759]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8005--Jewish American Heritage Month, 2006

     April 21, 2006

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        When the first Jewish settlers came to this land, they sought a
    place of promise where they could practice their faith in freedom and
    live in liberty. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the
    rich history of the Jewish people in America and honor the great
    contributions they have made to our country.
        As a nation of immigrants, the United States is better and stronger
    because Jewish people from all over the world have chosen to become
    American citizens. Since arriving in 1654, Jewish Americans have
    achieved great success, strengthened our country, and helped shape our
    way of life. Through their deep commitment to faith, family, and
    community, Jewish Americans remind us of a basic belief that guided the
    founding of this Nation: that there is an Almighty who watches over the
    affairs of men and values every life. The Jewish people have enriched
    our culture and contributed to a more compassionate and hopeful America.
        Jewish American Heritage Month is also an opportunity to remember
    and thank the many Jewish Americans who defend our ideals as members of
    the United States Armed Forces. These courageous men and women risk
    their lives to protect their fellow citizens and to advance the cause of
    freedom. By helping to bring the promise of liberty to millions around
    the world, they lay the foundation of peace for generations to come.
         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 laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2006 as Jewish
    American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month
    with appropriate programs and activities that honor the significant
    contributions Jewish Americans have made to our Nation.
         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
    of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
    thirtieth.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:07 a.m., April 24,
    2006]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April
    25. This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.