Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4647

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124 STAT. 4621 PROCLAMATION 8508—APR. 29, 2010 ourselves to preventing such tragedies, and to securing a safer work- place for every American. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2010, as Workers Memorial Day. I call upon all Americans to par- ticipate in ceremonies and activities in memory of those who have been killed due to unsafe working conditions. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- eighth 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. BARACK OBAMA 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 cul- tural tapestry. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these diverse peo- ples 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 Is- land, 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, injus- tice, 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 Amer- ican 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, aca- demia, 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 edu- cation and health disparities. They are at high risk for diabetes and