[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