[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 17 (Monday, May 5, 2008)]
[Page 620]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8247--Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2008

 April 29, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans who trace their ancestry to Asia and the Pacific Islands 
have contributed much to our Nation. During Asian/Pacific American 
Heritage Month, we highlight their importance to our great Nation.
    Asian/Pacific Americans have made our country better with their 
talents and hard work. Their values and commitment to family and 
community have helped shape and strengthen America. These citizens speak 
many languages, honor countless traditions, and practice different 
faiths, but they are bound by a shared commitment to freedom and 
liberty. The diversity among Asian/Pacific Americans adds to the 
cultural fabric of our society.
    Asian/Pacific Americans have enriched our culture, excelling in many 
fields, including education, business, science, technology, government, 
sports, and the arts. We especially honor those Asian/Pacific Americans 
who have answered the call to protect the cause of freedom by serving in 
our Armed Forces. These brave men and women set a powerful example for 
all Americans.
    As we celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we are 
reminded of the richness of the Asian and Pacific cultures. Asian/
Pacific Americans enhance the American experience and contribute to our 
country's legacy of diversity.
    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 2008 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 many contributions to 
our Nation and to observe this month with appropriate programs and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:26 a.m., April 30, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 1.