[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 182 (Tuesday, September 21, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 56661-56662]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-21353]



[[Page 56659]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 7816--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2004



Proclamation 7817--Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2004
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 182 / Tuesday, September 21, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 56661]]

                Proclamation 7816 of September 17, 2004

                
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize 
                Hispanic Americans for helping to shape our national 
                character and strengthen our communities. The warmth 
                and vitality of the Hispanic culture are great gifts to 
                America and are part of the unique fabric of our 
                country.

                Hispanic Americans have enriched our Nation through 
                contributions in many professions and fields, including 
                education, law, government, business, science, sports, 
                and the arts. Since our Nation's founding, Hispanic 
                Americans have served bravely in the United States 
                Armed Forces, earning more than 3 dozen Medals of Honor 
                and numerous distinguished military decorations for 
                their leadership, courage, and patriotism. Today, 
                Hispanic Americans in our Armed Forces, National Guard, 
                and Reserve units continue this proud legacy as they 
                stand watch on the front lines of freedom. The hard 
                work, values, and devotion to community of Hispanic 
                Americans set a positive example for all Americans.

                Across our country, we are working to continue helping 
                Hispanic Americans realize the great promise of 
                America. In 2002, I set a goal of increasing the number 
                of minority homeowners by at least 5.5 million by the 
                end of the decade. We are making good progress--having 
                added more than 1.6 million minority homeowners so far. 
                My Administration's business agenda and economic 
                policies have helped create an environment in which 
                Latino small business owners in the United States are 
                starting new businesses and employing millions of 
                people, expanding trade throughout the Americas, and 
                generating billions in revenue. Through the No Child 
                Left Behind Act of 2001, we are working to ensure that 
                schools are serving every student. In addition, we are 
                committed to improving immigration services while 
                strengthening national security.

                I join with all Americans in celebrating the heritage, 
                culture, spirit, and contributions of Hispanic 
                Americans. To honor the achievements of Hispanic 
                Americans, the Congress, by Public Law 100-402, as 
                amended, has authorized and requested the President to 
                issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 
                through October 15, as ``National Hispanic Heritage 
                Month.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                15 through October 15, 2004, 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.

[[Page 56662]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-21353
Filed 9-20-04; 11:00 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P