National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2004

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 7816--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2004

Proclamation 7817--Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 2004

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7816 of 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B