[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8417--SEPT. 15, 2009

Proclamation 8417 of September 15, 2009
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

The story of Hispanics in America is the story of America itself. The
Hispanic community's values-love of family, a deep and abiding faith,
and a strong work ethic-are America's values. Hispanics bring together
the rich traditions of communities with centuries-old roots in America
and the energy and drive of recent immigrants. Many have taken great
risks to begin a new life in the hopes of achieving a better future for
themselves and their families.
Hispanics have played a vital role in the moments and movements that
have shaped our country. They have enriched our culture and brought
creativity and innovation to everything from sports to the sciences and
from the arts to our economy.
Hispanics have served with honor and distinction in every conflict since
the Revolutionary War, and they have made invaluable contributions
through their service to our country. They lead corporations and not-
for-profits, and social movements and places of learning. They serve in
government at every level from school boards to statehouses, and from
city councils to Congress. And for the first time in our Nation's
history, a Latina is seated among the nine Justices of the Supreme Court
of the United States.
As Hispanics continue to enrich our Nation's character and shape our
common future, they strengthen America's promise and affirm the
narrative of American unity and progress.
To honor the achievements of Hispanics in America, 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.''

[[Page 3699]]
123 STAT. 3699

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2009, 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 fifteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA