US President George W. Bush on Tuesday proclaimed May 2005 as the "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month," and called on American people to learn more aboutthe history of Asian/Pacific Americans and their contributions.

Millions of Americans trace their ancestry to nations in Asia and the Pacific islands, and for generations, Americans of Asian/Pacific heritage have strengthened the country through their achievements in all walks of life, including business, politics, education, the arts and science, Bush said in a statement.

The Congress has designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month," to honor the achievements and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans, he said.

To honor Asian/Pacific Americans for their contributions to the country, Bush called upon the American people to learn more about the history of Asian/Pacific Americans and their many contributions, and to observe the event with appropriate programs and activities.

There were about 11.9 million Asian/Pacific Americans in the United States in 2003, according to Census Bureau statistics.