[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 18 (Monday, May 8, 2006)]
[Page 825]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8008--Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2006

 April 28, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate 
the millions of Asian/Pacific Americans whose contributions have helped 
make America a strong, vibrant, and free society.
    Asian/Pacific Americans represent many nations and ethnicities, each 
with its own culture, heritage, language, and experience. Across our 
country, this diverse group of people has excelled in all walks of life. 
Their talent and hard work have added to the success and prosperity of 
our Nation and helped make America a leader in the world. They have 
helped shape America's character and identity through their strong 
values, love of family, and commitment to community. America is 
especially grateful to the many Asian/Pacific Americans who have 
courageously answered the call to defend freedom as members of our Armed 
Forces. The sacrifices of these brave men and women help preserve the 
ideals of our country's founding and make the world a safer place.
    To honor the achievements and contributions 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 2006 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage 
Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about 
the history of Asian/Pacific Americans and their role in our national 
story and to observe this month with appropriate programs and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
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, 8:50 a.m., May 1, 2006]

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