[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24275-24276]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11475]
[[Page 24273]]
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Part VI
The President
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Proclamation 7189--Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 1999
Proclamation 7190--Older Americans Month, 1999
Proclamation 7191--Law Day, U.S.A., 1999
Proclamation 7192--Loyalty Day, 1999
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 5, 1999 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 24275]]
Proclamation 7189 of April 30, 1999
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 1999
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Seeking America's bright promise of freedom and
fairness, millions of men and women of Asian and
Pacific descent have immigrated to our Nation through
the past 2 centuries to participate in our great
experiment in democracy. Although they left behind
their native lands and many of their loved ones, they
carried in their hearts a rich and ancient history and
a proud heritage.
Throughout the decades, the principles and cherished
traditions of Asian and Pacific Americans have infused
our way of life, and their diligence and determination
have helped build and sustain our Nation. Asian
immigrants and indigenous U.S. Pacific Islanders have
made contributions to every facet of American life. Yet
all too often, Asian immigrants and Pacific Islanders
had to endure discrimination as our society struggled
with its growing diversity. Overcoming prejudice and
other hardships, these determined men and women have
strengthened our society, our economy, and our national
character in the process.
Asian and Pacific Americans today continue to make
substantial contributions to our country and our
culture, and this year's theme, ``Celebrating Our
Legacy,'' calls on us to recognize our common human
spirit. Scientists and researchers like David Ho
untangle the mysteries of human biology; astronauts
like Kalpana Chawla explore the heavens; human rights
activists like Dith Pran inspire us with their courage
and conviction; athletes like Michele Kwan dazzle us
with their grace and endurance; and inspiring leaders
like Daniel Inouye and Bill Lann Lee fight for justice
and equality for all our people. These sons and
daughters of Vietnam, India, China, Korea, Japan,
Cambodia, Fiji, the Philippines, Thailand, and many
other nations, as well as the islands of Guam, American
Samoa, and Hawaii, have enriched every aspect of our
society with their talents, intellect, and
determination.
While our Nation has made enormous strides on the path
to full equality and inclusion, our work is far from
finished. My Administration has strived to empower the
Asian and Pacific American community by working to
strengthen our economy, enforce our civil rights laws,
invest in health and education, and promote racial
reconciliation. Thanks in part to our economic
initiatives, the median household income for Asian and
Pacific Americans has significantly increased since
1993, while the poverty rate has declined by more than
8 percent. We have launched a new initiative to end
racial and ethnic health disparities, and we
established the first-ever Office of Minority Health
Research and Alternative Medicine at the National
Institutes of Health. Working to renew our commitment
to excellence in education, my Administration also has
secured a 35 percent increase in funding for bilingual
and immigrant education.
To honor the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific
Americans and to recognize their many contributions to
our Nation, the Congress, by Public Law 102-450, has
designated the month of May as ``Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Month.''
[[Page 24276]]
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1999
as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. I call upon
the people of the United States to observe this
occasion with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-third.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 99-11475
Filed 5-4-99; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
