[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Pages 607-608]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

May 10, 2007

    Thanks for coming, and welcome to the White House. I'm glad you're 
here. Fifteen years ago, my dad--or as we call him around the house, 
``number 41''--signed a law designating May as Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month. This afternoon, number 43--[laughter]--has the honor of 
continuing number 41's tradition. And we're glad you're here.
    I thank you for joining me to celebrate Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month. Across our Nation, Americans of Asian Pacific descent 
are leaders in fields from education to business to government. Every 
day, Asian Pacific Americans make our communities more vibrant, and this 
afternoon we honor the many contributions that are made to our great 
democracy.
    I want to thank Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao for being here today. 
Madam Secretary, we're proud you're here. Thank you for serving. A 
former member of my Cabinet, now retired--well, not exactly retired--
[laughter]--but a close friend, Norm Mineta is with us. Thanks for 
coming, Mr. Secretary. You're looking pretty good. Yes, I see that. 
[Laughter] I appreciate the fact that Deputy Secretary of Commerce David 
Sampson is here. He cannot claim any Asian American heritage, but 
nevertheless, he is serving well. [Laughter] Thank you for coming.
    I appreciate the members of the President's Advisory Commission on 
Asian American and Pacific Islanders who are here today. Thanks for 
serving. Thanks for your good work. I want to thank the recipients of 
the President's Volunteer Service Award. We will talk about you all a 
little later on here. But we're honored you're here.
    I do want to thank the members of the diplomatic corps who have 
joined us. Ambassadors, thank you for being here. We're honored to 
have--by your presence.
    I do want to thank World War II veterans and Japanese American 
veterans who have joined us today. We're proud to have you here, and 
thanks for this great example you've set for those who wear the uniform 
today. We're really glad you're here.
    The story of Asian Pacific Americans is an important part of the 
American story. During the 19th century, Asian Pacific Americans endured 
great hardships, for example, to lay the tracks for our first 
transcontinental railroad. During times of war, Asian Pacific Americans 
have defended our Nation with honor and courage. And during times of 
prejudice, Asian Pacific Americans have overcome discrimination to build 
strong and lasting communities in our country.
    Today, more than 15 million Americans can trace their lineage to 
Asia or the Pacific Islands. We see the influence of these Asian Pacific 
Americans across all our society. All you have to do is look to see the 
tremendous impact our fellow citizens are making. It's a great passion 
for art and music which brings new culture--new life to our cultures. 
The love of learning has helped improve our schools and raise the 
standards for all children. A commitment to innovation and free 
enterprise has helped strengthen our economy and created jobs.
    In 2004, I formed a Presidential Advisory Commission to examine ways 
of expanding economic opportunities for Asian Pacific Americans. And 
tomorrow I will receive the Commission's final report, and I'm looking 
forward to getting it.
    As Asian Pacific Americans realize the opportunities of our Nation, 
they're also answering the call to give back to our communities, and by 
doing so, they create new opportunities for others. Men and women of 
Asian Pacific descent volunteer their talents and time to help their 
neighbors in a lot of ways. This afternoon we honor six Americans of 
Asian Pacific heritage with our Nation's highest honor for community 
service: the President's Volunteer Service Award.
    The volunteers we recognize have set a powerful example for all 
Americans. They have served important causes, from providing aid to 
victims of natural disasters to sharing the joy of science with students 
to raising money for libraries in far away lands. These acts of kindness 
have changed lives; they've laid the foundation for stronger 
communities; and they really speak to the strength of

[[Page 608]]

America. Our strength is not our military, although we'll keep it 
strong, and our strength is not necessarily the size of our economy, 
although we'll keep it robust. The true strength of the country lies in 
the hearts and souls of citizens who hear the call to love a neighbor 
and do something about it.
    One of the honorees is a Virginia Tech student. I had the privilege 
of meeting Adeel Khan. See, Adeel is the president of the student 
government at Virginia Tech. He took office shortly before the terrible 
violence hit that campus. He's had what we're call a difficult 
presidency. [Laughter] And yet he understood the need for leadership. 
He's an impressive guy. He worked hard with classmates to organize a 
campus-wide vigil. He helped bring that important community together. He 
dealt with the tragedy the way you'd expect a leader to deal with 
tragedy. This good young man helped lead his fellow students in healing. 
And we know, as he did so, it helped heal the entire nation.
    We see the true spirit of the Asian Pacific American community in 
the compassion and decency of citizens like Adeel. We're grateful for 
the many contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made to our 
Nation. We're proud to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. 
I congratulate all the honorees. And now I ask Lieutenant Commander 
Roncska to read their citations.

 [At this point, Lt. Cmdr. Robert A. Roncska, USN, Navy Aide to the 
President, read the citations, and the President presented the awards.]

    Thank you all for coming today. In our diversity, we find our 
strength; in our hearts, we find such wonderful compassion. Thank you 
all for setting a great example. May God bless you all, and may God 
continue to bless the United States of America. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 3:26 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House.