For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 14, 2002
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's cultural diversity has always been a great strength of our
Nation. The Hispanic-American community has a long and important
history of commitment to our Nation's core values, and the
contributions of this community have helped make our country great.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the many
achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognize their contributions to
our country.
In 1968, the Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to
proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, and this observance was
expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration to honor our Nation's
Hispanic heritage. During this month, America celebrates the
traditions, ancestry, and unique experiences of those who trace their
roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, and
the Caribbean.
Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have enriched the
American way of life, and we recognize the millions of Hispanic
Americans whose love of family, hard work, and community have helped
unite us as a people and sustain us as a Nation. As entrepreneurs and
public servants, scholars and artists, Hispanic Americans have provided
wisdom, energy, and leadership to our communities, and to our country.
During the Civil War, David Glasgow Farragut, son of Revolutionary War
hero Jorge Farragut of Spain, won fame as a Union hero by blocking
Southern ports. The Congress rewarded his valor by naming him the
Navy's first four-star Admiral. Today, a statue honoring his many
accomplishments stands in Farragut Square, Washington, D.C. Nearly a
century ago, Hispanic actresses Myrtle Gonzalez and Beatriz Michelena
were popular stars in silent films. Many others followed as the
industry expanded in the 20th Century, including Rita Hayworth,
Fernando Lamas, and Anthony Quinn. In 1959, Dr. Severo Ochoa was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize
in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of RNA (ribonucleic acid), one of the chemical building blocks of life. In the world of
sports, athletes such as Roberto Clemente earned the admiration of
countless Americans for his athletic skill and commitment to
humanitarian efforts.
We also remember those Hispanics who established the vibrant and
diverse American cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Fe, San
Antonio, and many others. We remember those who were instrumental in
exploring and mapping our great hemisphere and we honor those proud
Hispanic-American patriots who fought and died for our country in every
war and conflict since our founding.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, I join with all Americans
in celebrating this rich and diverse culture and encourage all citizens
to recognize the important role of Hispanics in creating and building
this great Nation.
To honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, the Congress, by
Public Law 100-402, 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, 2002,
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 thirteenth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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