For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 18, 2003
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's Diversity Has Always Been a Great Strength of Our Nation.
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize and
applaud the extraordinary accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.
From America's beginning, Hispanic Americans have served as leaders
in business, government, law, science, athletics, the arts, and many
other fields. In 1822, Joseph Marion Hernández became the first
Hispanic to serve as a member of the United States Congress,
representing the newly established territory of Florida. Businessman
Roberto Goizueta, a refugee from Cuba who rose to become the CEO of one
of America's largest corporations, is an inspiring example of what
immigrants to America can achieve through hard work and character.
Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Roberto Clemente's athletic
skills, generosity, and charity made him a legend on and off the
baseball field. Through memorable recordings and performances, singer
Celia Cruz celebrated her heritage and helped introduce salsa music to
the United States.
Hispanic Americans have sacrificed in defense of this Nation's
freedom, serving in every major American conflict. More than three
dozen Hispanic Americans have earned the Medal of Honor. Today, more
than 125,000 Hispanic Americans serve in the Armed Forces,
approximately 9 percent of our active-duty military. As we work to
advance peace, freedom, and opportunity abroad, we are grateful to all
of the brave men and women who serve our Nation, and to their
families.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, I join with all Americans in
recognizing the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United
States, and in celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. 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, 2003,
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 three, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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