[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

120 STAT. 3880
 
PROCLAMATION 8049--SEPT. 14, 2006



Proclamation 8049 of September 14, 2006
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Americans are a diverse people, yet we are bound by common principles
that teach us what it means to be American citizens. During National
Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the many contributions of Hispanic
Americans to our country.
Through hard work, faith in God, and a deep love of family, Hispanic
Americans have pursued their dreams and contributed to the strength and
vitality of our Nation. They have enriched the American experience and
excelled in business, law, politics, education, community service, the
arts, science, and many other fields. Hispanic entrepreneurs are also
helping build a better, more hopeful future for all by creating jobs
across our country. The number of Hispanic-owned businesses is growing
at three times the national rate, and increasing numbers of Hispanic
Americans own their own homes. We continue to benefit from a rich
Hispanic culture and we are a stronger country because of the talent and
creativity of the many Hispanic Americans who have shaped our society.
Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have also shown their
devotion to our country in their military service. Citizens of Hispanic
descent have fought in every war since our founding and have taken their
rightful place as heroes in our Nation's history. Today, Americans of
Hispanic descent are serving in our Armed Forces with courage and honor,
and their efforts are helping make America more secure and bringing
freedom to people around the world.
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we applaud the
accomplishments of Hispanic Americans and recognize the contributions
they make to our great land. 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, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 15 through
October 15, 2006, 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 fourteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH