Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2001

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7434 of May 7, 2001

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As we move into the 21st century, the United States
continues to greatly benefit from the contributions of
its diverse citizenry. Among those who have influenced
our country, Asian/Pacific Americans merit special
recognition. Their achievements have greatly enriched
our quality of life and have helped to determine the
course of our Nation's future.

Many immigrants of Asian heritage came to the United
States in the nineteenth century to work in the
agricultural and transportation industries. Laboring
under very difficult conditions, they helped construct
the western half of the first transcontinental
railroad. Their hard work was invaluable in linking
together the East and West coasts, thus vastly
expanding economic growth and development across the
country. Over time, other immigrants journeyed to
America from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Asian
Subcontinent. Today, Asian/Pacific Americans are one of
the fastest growing segments of our population, having
increased in number from fewer than 1.5 million in 1970
to approximately 10.5 million in 2000.

Asian/Pacific Americans bring to our society a rich
cultural heritage representing many languages,
ethnicities, and religious traditions. Whether in
government, business, science, technology, or the arts,
Asian/Pacific Americans have added immeasurably to the
prosperity and vitality of our society. As family
members, citizens, and involved members of the
community, they reinforce the values and ideals that
are essential to the continued well-being of our
Nation.

Diversity represents one of our greatest strengths, and
we must strive to ensure that all Americans have the
opportunity to reach their full potential. By
recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of
Asian/Pacific Americans, our Nation celebrates the
importance of inclusion in building a brighter future
for all our citizens.

To honor the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans,
the Congress, by Public Law 102-450, 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, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 2001, as Asian/
Pacific American Heritage Month. I call upon the people
of the United States to learn more about the
contributions and history of Asian/Pacific Americans
and to celebrate the role they have played in our
national story.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)B