[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 91 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 23831-23832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11913]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 91 / Thursday, May 10, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 23831]]

                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.

[[Page 23832]]

                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

[FR Doc. 01-11913
Filed 5-9-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P