Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2002
By
the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our
Nation's rich cultural diversity reflects our Constitution's core vision
of freedom and justice for all. Throughout our history, Asian/Pacific
Americans have made great contributions to America's heritage and
prosperity. During this month, we proudly celebrate Asian/Pacific
Americans, one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United
States, for their remarkable role in our Nation's development.
Through
the years, Asian immigrants and Pacific Islanders have enriched the
American way of life. Nobel Prize winner Dr. Subrahmanyan
Chandrasekhar's groundbreaking theories on the evolution of stars helped
lay the foundation for modern astrophysics. Actress Anna May Wong was
one of the first Asian Americans to achieve great fame in American film.
And the men of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental
Combat Team, composed primarily of Asian/Pacific Americans, valiantly
served our Nation during World War II. These units are remembered as
some of the most highly decorated in U.S. military history.
During
the observance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate
the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages, and unique
experiences represented among the more than 30 ethnic groups from Asia
and the Pacific found here in the United States. We also recognize
millions of Asian/Pacific Americans whose love of family, hard work, and
community has helped unite us as a people and sustain us as a Nation.
To honor
the achievements 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 2002 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. I
call upon our citizens to learn more about the history of Asian/Pacific
Americans and how they have contributed so much to our national heritage
and culture.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in
the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE
W. BUSH |
