By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News ServiceWASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) – Among the honorees being celebrated by President George W. Bush yesterday at the White House to recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was Mr. Kay Hiramine of the Englewood, Colorado-based Humanitarian International Service Group (HISG).

Among the honorees being celebrated by President George W. Bush yesterday at the White House to recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was Mr. Kay Hiramine of the Englewood, Colorado-based Humanitarian International Service Group (HISG).HISG’s Kay Hiramine received the Volunteer Service Award from President Bush at the White House yesterday, May 10, 2007.

In giving the award, President Bush noted Kay’s record of service: “In 2001, Kay launched Humanitarian International Services Group — HISG — a U.S.-based humanitarian NGO that helps to find and to mobilize resources to meet humanitarian needs around the world, and to respond to disasters and emergencies. In 2006, HISG’s activities involved more than 60 nations and 120 projects worldwide, and sent over $8 million in donated humanitarian assistance.

Mr.Bush added: “In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, HISG’s team launched a private sector operation center in Houston that mobilized over 1,500 volunteers into the disaster zone within one month after the
hurricane.”

Mr. Hiramine shared that he was both “humbled and honored” to receive this award from the President. He also shared that he was grateful for his team and family that made this all possible.

Mr. Bush told the audience: “Across our nation, Americans of Asian Pacific descent are leaders in fields from education to business to government. Every day, Asian Pacific Americans make our communities more vibrant — and this afternoon, we honor the many contributions that are made to our great democracy.

The President told the gathering; “The story of Asian Pacific Americans is an important part of the American story. During the 19th century, Asian Pacific Americans endured great hardships, for example, to lay the tracks for our first transcontinental railroad. During times of war, Asian Pacific Americans have defended our Nation with honor and courage. And during times of prejudice, Asian Pacific Americans have overcome discrimination to build strong and lasting communities in our country.

“Today, more than 15 million Americans can trace their lineage to Asia or the Pacific Islands. We see the influence of these Asian Pacific Americans across all our society. All you have to do is look to see the tremendous impact our fellow citizens are making. It’s a great passion for art and music which brings new culture — new life to our cultures. The love of learning has helped improve our schools, and raise the standards for all children. A commitment to innovation and free enterprise has helped strengthen our economy and created jobs. In 2004, I formed a presidential advisory commission to examine ways of expanding economic opportunities for Asian Pacific Americans — and tomorrow I will receive the commission’s final report, and I’m looking forward to getting it.

“As Asian Pacific Americans realize the opportunities of our nation, they’re also answering the call to give back to our communities — and by doing so they create new opportunities for others. Men and women of Asian Pacific descent volunteer their talents and time to help their neighbors in a lot of ways. This afternoon, we honor six Americans of Asian Pacific heritage with our nation’s highest honor for community service: the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

“The volunteers we recognize have set a powerful example for all Americans. They have served important causes — from providing aid to victims of natural disasters, to sharing the joy of science with students, to raising money for libraries in far away lands. These acts of kindness have changed lives; they’ve laid the foundation for stronger communities. And they really speak to the strength of America. Our strength is not our military, although we’ll keep it strong, and our strength is not necessarily the size of our economy, although we’ll keep it robust. The true strength of the country lies in the hearts and souls of citizens who hear the call to love a neighbor and do something about it.”

One of the honorees was a Virginia Tech student. Mr. Bush said he had the privilege of meeting Adeel Khan, who is the President of the student government at Virginia Tech.

Mr. Bush said: “He took office shortly before the terrible violence hit that campus. He’s had what we call a difficult presidency. And yet he understood the need for leadership. He’s an impressive guy. He worked hard with classmates to organize a campus-wide vigil. He helped bring that important community together. He dealt with the tragedy the way you’d expect a leader to deal with tragedy. This good young man helped lead his fellow students in healing. And we know, as he did so, it helped heal the entire nation.

“We see the true spirit of the Asian Pacific American community in the compassion and decency of citizens like Adeel Khan. We’re grateful for the many contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made to our nation. We’re proud to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I congratulate all the honorees.”

The President thanked those in attendance for joining him to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

He concluded: “In our diversity we find our strength; in our hearts we find such wonderful compassion. Thank you all for setting a great example. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. “