Dean and Bush Speak on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

[West_Sidee]

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For Immediate Release:
April 29, 2005</p>

<p>Contact: Luis Miranda
202-863-8148</p>

<p>DNC Chairman Gov. Howard Dean Statement on
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. - Democratic National Committee Chairman Gov. Howard Dean issued the following statement commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which began May 1st:</p>

<p>“I’m honored to join millions all around the country in paying tribute to the contributions made by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation’s social, economic, and cultural identity. As far back as the transcontinental railroad, AAPIs have helped build America. Thirteen and a half million AAPIs continue to enrich the American mosaic today.</p>

<p>Democrats have long championed the values we share with AAPI’s, including a strong work ethic, a commitment to education, and respect for families.</p>

<p>The Democratic Party has also led the way in promoting AAPI leadership at the local, state and national level. The overwhelming majority of AAPI elected officials are Democrats, and our party organized the largest AAPI voter mobilization effort in the history of the United States in 2004. The Democratic Party was also the party that welcomed the first AAPI Presidential Cabinet member, the first AAPI governor on the mainland, and the first AAPI member of Congress. Today, Congressman Mike Honda, an AAPI member of Congress from California, serves as Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee.</p>

<p>This year, we Democrats remember one of our own, Congressman Robert Matsui. Cong. Matsui rose from a World War II era internment camp to become the first AAPI to serve in the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives. This APA Heritage month shall be the first in which we honor his legacy.</p>

<p>As we commemorate the past and the present, we remain committed to empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the Democratic Party as together we forge a future that strengthens our country, protects our democracy, and defends our civil rights for all our citizens.”

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<p>5 days later Bush spoke on it</p>

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Canton, Mississippi)
May 3, 2005</p>

<p>ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2005</p>

<p>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</p>

<p>A PROCLAMATION</p>

<p>Millions of Americans proudly trace their ancestry to the many nations that make up Asia and the Pacific islands. For generations, Americans of Asian/Pacific heritage have strengthened our Nation through their achievements in all walks of life, including business, politics, education, community service, the arts, and science.</p>

<p>This month we honor Asian/Pacific Americans for their contributions to our Nation’s growth and development and to the spread of freedom around the world. This year’s theme, “Liberty and Freedom for All,” honors the sacrifices of Asian/Pacific Americans in the defense of freedom and democracy. We remember the bravery of soldiers of Asian/Pacific descent who have served in our military. These proud patriots stepped forward and fought for the security of our country and the peace of the world, and they will always hold a cherished place in our history. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century and fight the war on terror, Americans of Asian/Pacific descent continue to serve in the Armed Forces and are working to secure our homeland and promote peace and liberty around the world. Their dedication and patriotism uphold the highest ideals of our country.</p>

<p>To honor the achievements and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress by Public Law 102-450 as amended, has designated the month of May each year as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.”</p>

<p>NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 2005 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian/Pacific Americans and their many contributions to our Nation and to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities.</p>

<p>IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.</p>

<p>GEORGE W. BUSH</p>

<p><a href=“http://usinfo.state.gov/eap/Archive/2005/May/03-867901.html?chanlid=eap[/url]”>http://usinfo.state.gov/eap/Archive/2005/May/03-867901.html?chanlid=eap&lt;/a&gt;

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