[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 182 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 58955-58956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23997]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 182 / Thursday, September 19, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 58955]]

                Proclamation 7591 of September 13, 2002

                
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America's cultural diversity has always been a great 
                strength of our Nation. The Hispanic-American community 
                has a long and important history of commitment to our 
                Nation's core values, and the contributions of this 
                community have helped make our country great. During 
                National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the many 
                achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognize their 
                contributions to our country.

                In 1968, the Congress authorized President Lyndon 
                Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, 
                and this observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-
                long celebration to honor our Nation's Hispanic 
                heritage. During this month, America celebrates the 
                traditions, ancestry, and unique experiences of those 
                who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries 
                of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

                Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have 
                enriched the American way of life, and we recognize the 
                millions of Hispanic Americans whose love of family, 
                hard work, and community have helped unite us as a 
                people and sustain us as a Nation. As entrepreneurs and 
                public servants, scholars and artists, Hispanic 
                Americans have provided wisdom, energy, and leadership 
                to our communities, and to our country. During the 
                Civil War, David Glasgow Farragut, son of Revolutionary 
                War hero Jorge Farragut of Spain, won fame as a Union 
                hero by blocking Southern ports. The Congress rewarded 
                his valor by naming him the Navy's first four-star 
                Admiral. Today, a statue honoring his many 
                accomplishments stands in Farragut Square, Washington, 
                D.C. Nearly a century ago, Hispanic actresses Myrtle 
                Gonzalez and Beatriz Michelena were popular stars in 
                silent films. Many others followed as the industry 
                expanded in the 20th Century, including Rita Hayworth, 
                Fernando Lamas, and Anthony Quinn. In 1959, Dr. Severo 
                Ochoa was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in 
                Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of RNA 
                (ribonucleic acid), one of the chemical building blocks 
                of life. In the world of sports, athletes such as 
                Roberto Clemente earned the admiration of countless 
                Americans for his athletic skill and commitment to 
                humanitarian efforts.

                We also remember those Hispanics who established the 
                vibrant and diverse American cities of Los Angeles, San 
                Francisco, Santa Fe, San Antonio, and many others. We 
                remember those who were instrumental in exploring and 
                mapping our great hemisphere and we honor those proud 
                Hispanic-American patriots who fought and died for our 
                country in every war and conflict since our founding.

                During National Hispanic Heritage Month, I join with 
                all Americans in celebrating this rich and diverse 
                culture and encourage all citizens to recognize the 
                important role of Hispanics in creating and building 
                this great Nation.

                To honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, the 
                Congress, by Public Law 100-402, has authorized and 
                requested the President to issue annually a 
                proclamation designating September 15 through October 
                15, as ``National Hispanic Heritage Month.''

[[Page 58956]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                15 through October 15, 2002, as National Hispanic 
                Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, 
                educators, librarians, and all the people of the United 
                States to observe this month with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-23997
Filed 9-18-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P