Presidential Documents

24363 

Federal Register 

Vol. 75, No. 86 

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8508 of April 29, 2010 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

For centuries, America’s story has been tied to the Pacific. Generations 

of brave men and women have crossed this vast ocean, seeking better lives 

and opportunities, and weaving their rich heritage into our cultural tapestry. 

During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate 

the immeasurable contributions these diverse peoples have made to our 

Nation. 

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shared common struggles 

throughout their histories in America—including efforts to overcome racial, 

social, and religious discrimination. This year marks the 100th anniversary 

of the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay, a milestone 

that reminds us of an unjust time in our history. For three decades, immigrants from across the Pacific arrived at Angel Island, where they were 

subject to harsh interrogations and exams, and confined in crowded, unsanitary barracks. Many who were not turned back by racially prejudiced immigration laws endured hardship, injustice, and deplorable conditions as miners, railroad builders, and farm workers. 

Despite these obstacles, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have persevered and flourished, achieving success in every sector of American life. 

They stood shoulder to shoulder with their fellow citizens during the civil 

rights movement; they have served proudly in our Armed Forces; and they 

have prospered as leaders in business, academia, and public service. 

This month, as we honor all Americans who trace their ancestry to Asia 

and the Pacific Islands, we must acknowledge the challenges they still 

face. Today, many Asian American and Pacific Islander families experience 

unemployment and poverty, as well as significant education and health 

disparities. They are at high risk for diabetes and hepatitis, and the number 

of diagnoses for HIV/AIDS has increased in recent years. 

We must recognize and properly address these critical concerns so all Americans can reach their full potential. That is why my Administration reestablished both the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). These partnerships 

include leaders from across our Government and the AAPI community, 

dedicated to improving the quality of life and opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. 

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a vast and diverse community, 

some native to the United States, hailing from Hawaii and our Pacific 

Island territories. Others trace their heritage to dozens of countries. All 

are treasured citizens who enrich our Nation in countless ways, and help 

fulfill the promise of the American dream which has drawn so many to 

our shores. 

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 2010, as Asian 

American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans 

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24364 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 5, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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 ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–10728 

Filed 5–4–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W0–P 


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