A proclamation by the President of the United
States commences Hispanic Heritage Month.
Proclamation by the President of the United
States of America, September,
2002
America’s cultural diversity has always been
a great strength of our Nation. The Hispanic-American community has a
long and important history of commitment to our Nation’s core values,
and the contributions of this community have helped make our country
great. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the many
achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognize their contributions
to our country.
In 1968, the Congress authorized President
Lyndon Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, and this
observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration to honor
our Nation’s Hispanic Heritage. During this month, America celebrates
the traditions, ancestry, and unique experiences of those who trace their
roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, and
the Caribbean.
Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans
have enriched the American way of life, and we recognize the millions
of Hispanic Americans whose love of family, hard work, and community
have helped unite us as a people and sustain us as a Nation. As entrepreneurs
and public servants, scholars and artists, Hispanic Americans have provided
wisdom, energy, and leadership to our communities, and to our country.
During the Civil War, David Glasgow Farragut, son of Revolutionary War
hero Jorge Farragut of Spain, won fame as a Union hero by blocking Southern
ports. The Congress rewards his valor by naming him the Navy’s first
four-star Admiral. Today a statue honoring his many accomplishments stands
at Farragut Square, Washington, D.C. Nearly a century ago, Hispanic actresses
Myrtle Gonzalez and Beatriz Michelena were popular stars in silent films.
Many others followed as the industry expanded in the 20th Century,
including Rita Hayworth, Fernando Lamas, and Anthony Quinn. In 1959,
Dr. Severo Ochoa was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology
or Medicine for the discovery of RNA (ribonucleic acid), one of the chemical
building blocks of life. In the world of sports, athletes such as Roberto
Clemente earned the admiration of countless Americans for his athletic
skill and commitment to humanitarian efforts.
We also remember those Hispanics who established
the vibrant and diverse American cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Santa Fe, San Antonio, and many others. We remember those who were instrumental
in exploring and mapping our great hemisphere and we honor those proud
Hispanic-American patriots who fought and died for our country in every
war and conflict since our founding.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month,
I join with all Americans in celebrating this rich and diverse culture
and encourage all citizens to recognize the important role of Hispanics
in creating and building this great Nation.
To honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans,
the Congress, by Public Law 100-402, has authorized and requested the
President to issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 through
October 14, 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, 2002, 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 thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand
two, and the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
