[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.