[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 36 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Page 1201]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8287--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2008

 September 12, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the many 
Americans of Hispanic descent who have made outstanding contributions to 
our Nation.
    The rich cultural traditions of the Hispanic-American community have 
made a remarkable impact on American society. The diverse backgrounds of 
Hispanic Americans and their dedication to family have become an 
integral part of America. With a deep commitment to faith and a strong 
desire to live the American dream, these citizens are realizing the full 
blessings of liberty. Educational opportunities are helping a new 
generation work toward success, and many Hispanic Americans operate 
thriving small businesses.
    We also honor Hispanic Americans for their strong tradition of 
service in the Armed Forces. These proud patriots have fought in every 
war since our founding, and many have earned the Medal of Honor for 
their courage. Hispanic service men and women have shown their love for 
the United States by answering the call to serve, and we owe them and 
their families a tremendous debt of gratitude. Their patriotism and 
valor have added to the character of our Nation.
    National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the 
spirit and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans everywhere. To honor 
those achievements, 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, 2008, 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 eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 
16, 2008]

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