WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Asian and Pacific Americans across the nation are celebrating their tradition and values as they kick off the Heritage Month on May 1.

    "During Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we highlight their importance to our great Nation," President George W. Bush said in a statement released on Wednesday.

    He hailed Asian and Pacific Americans' contributions, with their talents and hard work, to the U.S. culture, tradition and legacy of diversity.

    "I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian and Pacific Americans and their many contributions to our Nation and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities," he said.

    Congress passed a resolution in 1978 to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first week of May and later voted to expand it from a week long to a month long celebration.

    The theme for the Heritage Month is selected annually by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council.

    This year's theme, "Leadership, Diversity and Harmony -- Gateway to Success," is decided to honor contributions Asian and Pacific Island ancestry have made to the country with "their entrepreneurship and strong values of love and family," according to its website.

    It also said that a series of performances, festivals and celebrations would be staged across the nation figuring culture and art of Asian countries including China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Laos.

    With several months to go before the November presidential elections, Asian and Pacific Americans, as the third largest minority in the country, will also hold discussion and panels on their role in the political affairs.