For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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.
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
twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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