Office of the Press Secretary
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For Immediate Release May 1, 2009
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
The vast diversity of languages, religions, and cultural traditions
of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continues to strengthen the
fabric of American society. From the arrival of the first Asian
American and Pacific Islander immigrants 150 years ago to those who
arrive today, as well as those native to the Hawaiian Islands and to
our Pacific Island territories, all possess the common purpose of the
fulfilling the American dream and leading a life bound by the American
ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we remember
the challenges and celebrate the achievements that define our history.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have endured and overcome
hardship and heartache. In the earliest years, tens of thousands of
Gold Rush pioneers, coal miners, transcontinental railroad builders, as
well as farm and orchard laborers, were subject to unjust working
conditions, prejudice, and discrimination——yet they excelled. Even in
the darkness of the Exclusion Act and Japanese internment, Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders have persevered, providing for their
families and creating opportunities for their children.
Amidst these struggles, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have
contributed in great and significant ways to all aspects of society.
They have created works of literature and art, thrived as American
athletes, and prospered in the world of academia. Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders have played a vital role in our Nation's economic and
technological growth by establishing successful enterprises and pushing
the limits of science. They are serving in positions of leadership
within the government more now than ever before. And along with all of
our great service men and women, they have defended the United States
from threats at home and abroad, serving our Nation with valor.
From the beaches of the Pacific islands and the California coast, the
grasslands of Central Asia and the bluegrass of Kentucky, and from the
summits of the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains, the Asian American
and Pacific Islander community hails from near and far. This is the
story of our more perfect union: that it is diversity itself that
enriches, and is fundamental to, the American story.
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 2009, as
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon the
people of the United States 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 first day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
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