[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 38 (Monday, September 23, 2002)]
[Pages 1543-1544]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7591--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2002

 September 13, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's cultural diversity has always been a great strength of our 
Nation. The Hispanic-American community has a long and important history 
of commitment to our Nation's core values, and the contributions of this 
community have helped make our country great. During National Hispanic 
Heritage Month, we celebrate the many achievements of Hispanic Americans 
and recognize their contributions to our country.
    In 1968, the Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to 
proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, and this observance was 
expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration to honor our Nation's 
Hispanic heritage. During this month, America celebrates the traditions, 
ancestry, and unique experiences of those who trace their roots to 
Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, and the 
Caribbean.
    Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have enriched the 
American way of life, and we recognize the millions of Hispanic 
Americans whose love of family, hard work, and community have helped 
unite us as a people and sustain us as a Nation. As entrepreneurs and 
public servants, scholars and artists, Hispanic Americans have provided 
wisdom, energy, and leadership to our communities, and to our country. 
During the Civil War, David Glasgow Farragut, son of Revolutionary War 
hero Jorge Farragut of Spain, won fame as a Union hero by blocking 
Southern ports. The Congress rewarded his valor by naming him the Navy's 
first four-star Admiral. Today, a statue honoring his many 
accomplishments stands in Farragut Square, Washington, D.C. Nearly a 
century ago, Hispanic actresses Myrtle Gonzalez and Beatriz Michelena 
were popular stars in silent films. Many others followed as the industry 
expanded in the 20th Century, including Rita Hayworth, Fernando Lamas, 
and Anthony Quinn. In 1959, Dr. Severo Ochoa was a co-recipient of the 
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of RNA 
(ribonucleic acid), one of the chemical building blocks of life. In the 
world of sports, athletes such as Roberto Clemente earned the admiration 
of countless Americans for his athletic skill and commitment to 
humanitarian efforts.
    We also remember those Hispanics who established the vibrant and 
diverse American cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Fe, San 
Antonio, and many others. We remember those who were instrumental in 
exploring and mapping our great hemisphere and we honor those proud 
Hispanic-American patriots who fought and died for our country in every 
war and conflict since our founding. <FP<ls-thn-eq>During National 
Hispanic Heritage Month, I join with all Americans in celebrating this 
rich and diverse culture and encourage all citizens to recognize the 
important role of Hispanics in creating and building this great Nation.
    To honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, the Congress, by 
Public Law 100-402, 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, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2002, 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 thirteenth day 
of September,

[[Page 1544]]

in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the 
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 
18, 2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 14, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on September 19.