[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Pages 1201-1202]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8175--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2007

 September 12, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Hispanic Americans have strengthened our country and contributed to 
the spirit of America. National Hispanic Heritage Month is an 
opportunity to honor these contributions and celebrate the rich cultural 
traditions of our Hispanic-American community.
    Hispanic Americans have helped establish America as a place of 
freedom and opportunity, and their contributions have illustrated what 
is best about our great Nation. Their hard work, love of country, and 
deep commitment to faith and family have shaped the character of our 
country and helped preserve the values we all cherish. By sharing their 
vibrant culture and heritage, Hispanic Americans have also enriched the 
American experience and helped define the unique fabric of our Nation.
    Americans of Hispanic heritage have carried on a proud tradition of 
service to our Nation. In times of great consequence, they have answered 
the call to defend America

[[Page 1202]]

as members of our Armed Forces. These brave men and women bring honor to 
America, and we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. In our 
towns and communities, Hispanic Americans have also shown the good heart 
of our Nation by volunteering to help their fellow Americans. Their 
kindness and compassion have made a difference in the lives of others 
and have made our country a more hopeful place for all.

    During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the diversity 
that makes America stronger, and we recognize the many ways Hispanic 
Americans have enriched our Nation. 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, 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, 2007, 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 twelfth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:37 a.m., September 
14, 2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 17. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language version of this proclamation.