National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2009

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Part II

The President

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Proclamation 8417--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8417 of September 15, 2009

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The story of Hispanics in America is the story of
America itself. The Hispanic community's values--love
of family, a deep and abiding faith, and a strong work
ethic--are America's values. Hispanics bring together
the rich traditions of communities with centuries-old
roots in America and the energy and drive of recent
immigrants. Many have taken great risks to begin a new
life in the hopes of achieving a better future for
themselves and their families.

Hispanics have played a vital role in the moments and
movements that have shaped our country. They have
enriched our culture and brought creativity and
innovation to everything from sports to the sciences
and from the arts to our economy.

Hispanics have served with honor and distinction in
every conflict since the Revolutionary War, and they
have made invaluable contributions through their
service to our country. They lead corporations and not-
for-profits, and social movements and places of
learning. They serve in government at every level from
school boards to statehouses, and from city councils to
Congress. And for the first time in our Nation's
history, a Latina is seated among the nine Justices of
the Supreme Court of the United States.

As Hispanics continue to enrich our Nation's character
and shape our common future, they strengthen America's
promise and affirm the narrative of American unity and
progress.

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, 2009, 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
fifteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.