[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8863--SEPT. 14, 2012

Proclamation 8863 of September 14, 2012

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's story would not be possible without generations of
Hispanics who have shaped and strengthened the fabric of our Union. They
have enriched every aspect of our national identity with traditions that
stretch across centuries and reflect the many ancestries that comprise
the Hispanic community. This month, we celebrate this rich heritage and
reflect on the invaluable contributions Hispanics have made to America.

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Hispanics have helped shape our communities and expand our country, from
laboratories and industry to board rooms and classrooms. They have led
movements that pushed our country closer to realizing the democratic
ideals of America's founding documents, and they have served
courageously as members of our Armed Forces to defend those ideals at
home and abroad. Hispanics also serve as leaders throughout the public
sector, working at the highest levels of our government and serving on
our highest courts.
As we celebrate these hard-fought achievements, we must also remember
there is more work to be done to widen the circle of opportunity for the
Hispanic community and keep the American dream within reach for all who
seek it. From promoting job creation and ensuring Hispanics are
represented in the Federal workforce to reshaping our education system
to meet the demands of the 21st century, my Administration has built
ladders of opportunity. The Department of Homeland Security has lifted
the shadow of deportation from talented and patriotic young people who
were brought to America as children, giving them a degree of relief so
they can continue contributing to our society, and we remain steadfast
in our pursuit of meaningful legislative immigration reform.
Whether we trace our roots to those who came here on the Mayflower, who
settled the Southwest centuries ago, or who joined the American family
more recently, we share a common belief in the enduring promise of
America--the promise that regardless of where we come from or what we
look like, each of us can make it if we try. During National Hispanic
Heritage Month, as we celebrate the successes of the Hispanic community,
let us reaffirm our commitment to extending that promise to all
Americans.
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.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2012, as
National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public officials,
educators, librarians, and all Americans 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 twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA