Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2003

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 7668--Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2003

Proclamation 7669--Older Americans Month, 2003

Proclamation 7670--Law Day, U.S.A., 2003

Proclamation 7671--Loyalty Day, 2003

Proclamation 7672--National Day of Prayer, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7668 of April 30, 2003

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America is strengthened by the rich cultural diversity
of our people, and we are blessed to be a Nation that
welcomes individuals of all races, religions, and
cultural backgrounds. The values and traditions of the
Asian/Pacific-American community--love of family,
entrepreneurship, excellence in education, and
community service--have strengthened us as a Nation.
During Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we
celebrate the contributions of these talented and hard-
working citizens and recognize their rich legacy of
ingenuity, perseverance, and achievement.

Many Asian/Pacific immigrants came to America to
discover the promise of our Nation and to realize their
dreams. Their contributions were critical in
establishing a robust economy. Asian/Pacific Americans
also worked tirelessly to build our national railroad
infrastructure, paving the way for our western
expansion and growth as a world leader. Generations of
Asian/Pacific Americans have proudly served our Nation
with honor and courage in wars and conflicts, including
most recently in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom. Today, as in the past, their
dedication and service to advancing peace in a troubled
world upholds the values that make our country strong.

Asian/Pacific Americans are also helping to shape
America's future. As entrepreneurs, artists, educators,
public servants, scientists, and explorers, they
challenge the minds of our next generation, expand
commerce and innovation, probe the frontiers of space,
and search for cures for the world's diseases. Our
children are also inspired by the contributions and
sacrifices of dedicated individuals such as inventor An
Wang, experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu,
Challenger astronaut Ellison Onizuka, Columbia
astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

Since the earliest days of America, people from all
cultures have traveled to our Nation seeking the
promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice. As an
integral part of our society, Americans of Asian and
Pacific heritage share in the pursuit of this American
Dream. I join with all Americans in celebrating this
rich and diverse culture, and I encourage every citizen
to recognize the role of Asian/Pacific Americans in
building and sustaining our 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 2003
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 to the
culture and heritage of our Nation.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B