May
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
began in 1979 as Asian Heritage Week, established by congressional proclamation. From
then until 1993, the period for recognizing Asian/Pacific Americans was created by
congressional proclamation each year. President George Bush, on October 23, 1992,
signed legislation into law that made May of each year Asian/Pacific American Heritage
Month. For more information, contact the Asian Pacific American Heritage Council.
Jewish American Heritage Month. On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush
issued a presidential proclamation designating the month of May as Jewish American
Heritage Month. In his proclamation, the president said, “During Jewish American Heritage
Month, we celebrate the rich history of the Jewish people in America and honor the great
contributions they have made to our country. As a nation of immigrants, the United States
is better and stronger because Jewish people from all over the world have chosen to
become American citizens . . . Through their deep commitment to faith, family, and
community, Jewish Americans remind us of a basic belief that guided the founding of this
Nation . . . Jewish American Heritage Month is also an opportunity to remember and thank
the many Jewish Americans who defend our ideals as members of the United States Armed
Forces.”
Older Americans Month. Older Americans Month was established by presidential
proclamation to honor the contributions of older Americans to society.