Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2002

Proclamation 7550 of May 1, 2002

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B