[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9637 of September 13, 2017

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the
accomplishments of Hispanic Americans who have helped shape our great
Nation. We are grateful for the many contributions Hispanic American men
and women make to our society and the vibrancy they weave into our
American culture.
From America's earliest days, Hispanic Americans have played a prominent
and important role in our national heritage, and Hispanic Americans
continue to embody the pioneering spirit of America today. Demonstrating
a steadfast commitment to faith, family, and hard work, Hispanic
Americans lift up our communities and our economy as entrepreneurs,
executives, and small business owners, and make contributions in areas
such as science, art, music, politics, academia, government, and sports.
In fact, Hispanic-owned small businesses are the fastest growing
businesses in America, starting at a pace 15 times the national average
over the last decade. Hispanic Americans own more than three million
American businesses and serve with honor in all branches of the Armed
Forces, continuing a strong legacy of dedication to our country that has
seen the Medal of Honor awarded to 60 Hispanic Americans. Hispanic
Americans are a testament to the American promise that anyone can
succeed in the United States through hard work.
Hispanic Americans strengthen our bonds with our Latin American
neighbors, with whom we share a rich history. We are united with them in
hemispheric solidarity, based on a shared commitment to democratic
principles. To secure a more prosperous, free Western Hemisphere, we are
working to advance and maintain democracy in the region and secure free
and fair trade among our regional partners. My Administration is
dedicated to securing human rights in Cuba and Venezuela, and
strengthening our cultural and philosophical ties with all our Latin
American partners.
This month, we recognize the countless contributions of Hispanic
Americans that help make our Nation a thriving and secure land of
opportunity. 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, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2017, as National Hispanic Heritage

[[Page 2496]]

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 thirteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP