[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 19 (Monday, May 15, 2006)]
[Pages 916-917]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and a 
Presentation of the President's Volunteer Service Awards

May 12, 2006

    The President. Thank you all. Welcome. Please be seated. Welcome to 
the White House. I like to call it the People's House. I'm glad you 
could join us today to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. 
This is the month we recognize the many accomplishments of Americans who 
trace their origins to the Asian-Pacific region, and we honor the 
contributions they make to our great land.
    Across our country, Asian Pacific Americans are making their mark in 
all walks of life, including business and law and politics and 
education, community service, the arts, and science. Today, more Asian 
Pacific Americans serve in my administration than in any other 
administration in history, and two of them serve in my Cabinet. And 
today--[applause]--and I am delighted to recognize Secretary Elaine Chao 
and Secretary Norm Mineta and thank them for their great work for our 
country.
    I want to thank Ray Pamintuan--he is the Chairman of the President's 
Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. And I want 
to thank all the other Commission members who are here. I enjoyed my 
visit. Thank you for serving.
    I want to thank the members of the 442d Regimental Combat Team who 
are here today. Thank you all for coming. God bless you. Veterans who 
have set such a fine example for those who wear the uniform today. And I 
would like to welcome the men and women in uniform who have joined us 
today. Thank you all for being here. Thank you for your service.

[[Page 917]]

    These men and women are on the frontline of defending the United 
States of America, and in so doing, they're laying the foundation of 
peace for generations to come. And we are really proud of your service.
    Fourteen million Americans can claim ancestry from the Asian-Pacific 
region. Through a commitment to educational excellence, you help raise 
standards and show that the American Dream is within reach for all who 
study hard and persevere. Through your love of family and community, you 
help unite us as a people. Through entrepreneurship and innovation, you 
have strengthened our economy, creating jobs for other--and thereby 
contributing to the opportunity of this Nation.
    In 2004, I created the President's Advisory Commission on Asian 
American and Pacific Islanders to improve the opportunities for small-
business development. And to keep this good work moving forward, I 
signed an Executive order this morning that renews the Commission for 
another year.
    America has thrived as a nation because we've always welcomed 
newcomers who, in turn, embrace our values and our way of life. Every 
immigrant who lives by these values makes our country better and makes 
our future brighter as ``one nation under God.''
    We're grateful to the many Asian Pacific Americans who serve our 
Nation in many ways. I just honored those who serve our Nation by 
wearing the uniform, but there are all kinds of ways to serve America. 
The President's Volunteer Service Award is the highest honor given in 
recognition of those who have contributed their time and their talents 
to those in need.
    I created this award because I understand the great strength of the 
United States of America is not found in our military, and it's 
certainly not because of the size of our wallets. It's because the 
strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of generous 
citizens who answer to a universal call to love a neighbor like you'd 
like to be loved yourself.
    Five folks here today have earned this award by volunteering to 
improve the communities in which they live and thereby helping our 
fellow citizens. They've heard that call to serve something greater than 
themselves. And by the way, by answering the call, they've inspired 
others to serve; you just don't know it.
    Volunteers we recognize have brought care and outreach to veterans 
and men and women in uniform; they've helped children learn to read; 
they've extended food and shelter to hurricane victims in our gulf 
coast; they've helped underprivileged high school students prepare their 
SATs; and they've aided immigrants who have recently arrived in our 
country. They have served our Nation in distinct ways and, in so doing, 
have made America a better place to live.
    I am proud of the achievements, the many achievements of our 
citizens of Asian and Pacific Island heritage. You really have enriched 
America by your contributions. You've made us a better land. And the 
five we honor today have done so in a unique way. And so I join all 
Americans in congratulating you and wishing you continued success of 
your work. I want to thank you for what you've done. I ask God's 
blessings on all who are here and their families as well as our great 
Nation.
    And now I ask the commander to please read the citations that will 
enable me to award the volunteer awards to you.

[At this point, Lt. Cmdr. Geoff Gagnier, Coast Guard Aide to the 
President, read the citations, and the President presented the awards.]

    Now you can see why I love an event such as these. [Laughter] What a 
great country we have. And I want to thank you all for being active 
citizens in the greatest land on the face of the Earth.
    May God bless you all.

Note: The President spoke at 2:07 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Rudy Pamintuan, Chairman, 
President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific 
Islanders.