National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2017

Proclamation 9637 of September 13, 2017

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate
the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans who have
helped shape our great Nation. We are grateful for the
many contributions Hispanic American men and women make
to our society and the vibrancy they weave into our
American culture.

From America's earliest days, Hispanic Americans have
played a prominent and important role in our national
heritage, and Hispanic Americans continue to embody the
pioneering spirit of America today. Demonstrating a
steadfast commitment to faith, family, and hard work,
Hispanic Americans lift up our communities and our
economy as entrepreneurs, executives, and small
business owners, and make contributions in areas such
as science, art, music, politics, academia, government,
and sports. In fact, Hispanic-owned small businesses
are the fastest growing businesses in America, starting
at a pace 15 times the national average over the last
decade. Hispanic Americans own more than three million
American businesses and serve with honor in all
branches of the Armed Forces, continuing a strong
legacy of dedication to our country that has seen the
Medal of Honor awarded to 60 Hispanic Americans.
Hispanic Americans are a testament to the American
promise that anyone can succeed in the United States
through hard work.

Hispanic Americans strengthen our bonds with our Latin
American neighbors, with whom we share a rich history.
We are united with them in hemispheric solidarity,
based on a shared commitment to democratic principles.
To secure a more prosperous, free Western Hemisphere,
we are working to advance and maintain democracy in the
region and secure free and fair trade among our
regional partners. My Administration is dedicated to
securing human rights in Cuba and Venezuela, and
strengthening our cultural and philosophical ties with
all our Latin American partners.

This month, we recognize the countless contributions of
Hispanic Americans that help make our Nation a thriving
and secure land of opportunity. 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, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2017, as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
I call upon public officials, educators, librarians,
and all Americans 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 seventeen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.