[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.