[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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.
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7817--SEPT. 17, 2004

[[Page 4180]]

118 STAT. 4180