National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2012

Proclamation 8863 of September 14, 2012

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's story would not be possible without
generations of Hispanics who have shaped and
strengthened the fabric of our Union. They have
enriched every aspect of our national identity with
traditions that stretch across centuries and reflect
the many ancestries that comprise the Hispanic
community. This month, we celebrate this rich heritage
and reflect on the invaluable contributions Hispanics
have made to America.

Hispanics have helped shape our communities and expand
our country, from laboratories and industry to board
rooms and classrooms. They have led movements that
pushed our country closer to realizing the democratic
ideals of America's founding documents, and they have
served courageously as members of our Armed Forces to
defend those ideals at home and abroad. Hispanics also
serve as leaders throughout the public sector, working
at the highest levels of our government and serving on
our highest courts.

As we celebrate these hard-fought achievements, we must
also remember there is more work to be done to widen
the circle of opportunity for the Hispanic community
and keep the American dream within reach for all who
seek it. From promoting job creation and ensuring
Hispanics are represented in the Federal workforce to
reshaping our education system to meet the demands of
the 21st century, my Administration has built ladders
of opportunity. The Department of Homeland Security has
lifted the shadow of deportation from talented and
patriotic young people who were brought to America as
children, giving them a degree of relief so they can
continue contributing to our society, and we remain
steadfast in our pursuit of meaningful legislative
immigration reform.

Whether we trace our roots to those who came here on
the Mayflower, who settled the Southwest centuries ago,
or who joined the American family more recently, we
share a common belief in the enduring promise of
America--the promise that regardless of where we come
from or what we look like, each of us can make it if we
try. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, as we
celebrate the successes of the Hispanic community, let
us reaffirm our commitment to extending that promise to
all Americans.

To honor the achievements of Hispanics in America, 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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
15 through October 15, 2012, 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
fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.