[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9016--SEPT. 13, 2013

Proclamation 9016 of September 13, 2013

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
From the earliest days of our Republic, Hispanic Americans have written
crucial chapters in our national story. Hispanics have honorably
defended our country in war and built prosperity during times of peace.
They run successful businesses, teach our next generation of leaders,
and pioneer scientific and technological breakthroughs. This month,
America acknowledges these vital contributions and celebrates our
Hispanic heritage.
Hispanic Americans represent an array of distinct and vibrant cultures,
each of which enriches communities in valuable ways. Just as America
embraces a rich blend of backgrounds, those who journey to our shores
embrace America. Sharing the dream of equality and boundless
opportunity, many Hispanics have marched for social justice and helped
advance America's journey toward a more perfect Union. Last year, I was
proud to establish the C[eacute]sar E. Ch[aacute]vez National Monument
in honor of an American hero, a man who reminded us that every life has
value, that together, those who recognize their common humanity have the
power to shape a better world.
As C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez's example teaches us, we must never scale
back our dreams. My Administration remains committed to building a
rising, thriving middle class, a middle class accessible to the Hispanic
community and to all Americans. As we continue to implement the
Affordable Care Act, more than 10 million uninsured Latinos will gain
access to coverage. To reduce health disparities, my Administration will
work to educate, engage, and enrolle Hispanic Americans in the Health
Insurance Marketplace.
Last year, we lifted the shadow of deportation off young people who are
American in every way but on paper. Today, I am as determined as ever to
pass commonsense immigration reform--reform that helps American workers
get a fairer deal, adds more than one trillion dollars to our economy,
and provides a pathway to earned citizenship. A bipartisan bill
consistent with these principles has already passed the Senate, and a
growing coalition of Republicans and Democrats is calling for action.
Whether our ancestors crossed the Atlantic in 1790 or the Rio Grande in
1970, Americans are bound by a set of common values--a love of liberty
and justice, the belief that a better life should await anyone willing
to work for it. As we celebrate the unique influences of Hispanic
cultures during National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us also rededicate
ourselves to realizing our shared aspirations.
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, 2013, as
National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public offi-


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cials, 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 thirteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA