2003
PRESIDENT BUSH'S APA HERITAGE MONTH 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. To
read the rest of the proclamation, click here.
2003
R.I.P. - MADAME CHIANG KAI-SHEK
