Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2011

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8659 of April 29, 2011

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

This month, our Nation celebrates the contributions and
accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders (AAPI). Our AAPI communities have roots that
span the globe, but their stories of striving and
success are uniquely American. As we celebrate Asian
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we
recognize the entrepreneurship and fortitude of
individuals who have helped build our country and shape
the American dream for centuries.

Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
have helped develop and defend the United States, often
in the face of tremendous racial and cultural
prejudice. Despite these difficulties, AAPI men and
women struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to build a
better life for their children and all Americans.

Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a
profound impact on our society as leaders in all facets
of American life, thriving as athletes and public
servants, entrepreneurs and artists. Whether as small
business owners or as proud members of the United
States Armed Forces, Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders are helping to write the next chapter of the
American story.

Although many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
have achieved success, far too many still struggle to
overcome obstacles of unemployment, poverty, and
language barriers or face significant education,
economic, and health disparities. To help address the
diverse challenges affecting our AAPI communities, I
reestablished the White House Initiative on Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Initiative
coordinates the efforts of agencies throughout the
Federal Government to promote increased access to and
participation in Federal programs for Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders who remain underserved, so we can
continue to be a Nation where all things are possible
for all people. All Americans can visit www.AAPI.gov to
learn more about the important work of this Initiative.

From our earliest days, intrepid men and women from the
Asia-Pacific region have forged enduring links between
America and other nations as they moved across the
Pacific. In today's globalized world, these bonds
remain critical, reminding the United States of our
rich shared history and integrated future with the
dynamic Asia-Pacific region. During Asian American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let us celebrate the
millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose
talents and contributions strengthen our economy,
protect our security, and enliven our country every
day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2011 as Asian
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call
upon all Americans to visit
www.AsianPacificHeritage.gov to learn more about the
history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, 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 eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.