Presidential Documents

56661

Federal Register 

Vol. 69, No. 182

Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 7816 of September 17, 2004

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 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.

56662 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 182 / Tuesday, September 21, 2004 / Presidential Documents 

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 States of America the two hundred and 

Billing code 3195

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twenty-ninth.

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