Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2008

Proclamation 8247 of April 29, 2008

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 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.