    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7706 of September 17, 2003

    National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    America's diversity has always been a great strength of our Nation. As
    we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize and applaud
    the extraordinary accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.
    From America's beginning, Hispanic Americans have served as leaders in
    business, government, law, science, athletics, the arts, and many other
    fields. In 1822, Joseph Marion Hernandez became the first Hispanic to
    serve as a member of the United States Congress, representing the newly
    established territory of Florida. Businessman Roberto Goizueta, a
    refugee from Cuba who rose to become the CEO of one of America's largest
    corporations, is an inspiring example of what immigrants to America can
    achieve through hard work and character. Presidential Medal of Freedom
    recipient Roberto Clemente's athletic skills, generosity, and charity
    made him a legend on and off the baseball field. Through memorable
    recordings and performances, singer Celia Cruz celebrated her heritage
    and helped introduce salsa music to the United States.
    Hispanic Americans have sacrificed in defense of this Nation's freedom,
    serving in every major American conflict. More than three dozen Hispanic
    Americans have earned the Medal of Honor. Today, more than 125,000
    Hispanic Americans serve in the Armed Forces, approximately 9 percent of
    our active-duty military. As we work to advance peace, freedom, and
    opportunity abroad, we are grateful to all of the brave men and women
    who serve our Nation, and to their families.

    [[Page 3087]]
    117 STAT. 3087

    During Hispanic Heritage Month, I join with all Americans in recognizing
    the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, and
    in celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. 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, 2003, 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 seventeenth day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH