    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 39 (Monday, September 27, 2004)]
    [Pages 2047-2048]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7816--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2004

    September 17, 2004

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Hispanic
    Americans for helping to shape our national character and strengthen our
    communities. The warmth and vitality of the Hispanic culture are great
    gifts to America and are part of the unique fabric of our country.
        Hispanic Americans have enriched our Nation through contributions in
    many professions and fields, including education, law, government,
    business, science, sports, and the arts. Since our Nation's founding,
    Hispanic Americans have served bravely in the United States Armed
    Forces, earning more than 3 dozen Medals of Honor and numerous
    distinguished military decorations for their leadership, courage, and
    patriotism. Today, Hispanic Americans in our Armed Forces, National
    Guard, and Reserve units continue this proud legacy as they stand watch
    on the front lines of freedom. The hard work, values, and devotion to
    community of Hispanic Americans set a positive example for all
    Americans.
        Across our country, we are working to continue helping Hispanic
    Americans realize the great promise of America. In 2002, I set a goal of
    increasing the number of minority homeowners by at least 5.5 million by
    the end of the decade. We are making good progress--having added more
    than 1.6 million minority homeowners so far. My Administration's
    business agenda and economic policies have helped create an environment
    in which Latino small business owners in the United States are starting
    new businesses and employing millions of people, expanding trade
    throughout the Americas, and generating billions in revenue. Through the
    No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, we are working to ensure that schools
    are serving every student. In addition, we are committed to improving
    immigration services while strengthening national security.
        I join with all Americans in celebrating the heritage, culture,
    spirit, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. 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, George W. Bush, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2004, 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 seventeenth day
    of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
    Independence of the United

    [[Page 2048]]

    States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
                                                    George W. Bush

    [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11 a.m., September 20,
    2004]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on
    September 21. This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.