[Federal Register: September 23, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 184)]
[Presidential Documents]               
[Page 55251-55254]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23se03-29]                         


[[Page 55251]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 7706--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003



Executive Order 13316--Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory 
Committees



Order of September 17, 2003--Designation Under Executive Order 12958



Proclamation 7707--National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2003


                        Presidential Documents 




___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

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                Proclamation 7706 of September 17, 2003

 
                National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America's diversity has always been a great strength of 
                our Nation. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage 
                Month, we recognize and applaud the extraordinary 
                accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.

                From America's beginning, Hispanic Americans have 
                served as leaders in business, government, law, 
                science, athletics, the arts, and many other fields. In 
                1822, Joseph Marion Hern[aacute]ndez became the first 
                Hispanic to serve as a member of the United States 
                Congress, representing the newly established territory 
                of Florida. Businessman Roberto Goizueta, a refugee 
                from Cuba who rose to become the CEO of one of 
                America's largest corporations, is an inspiring example 
                of what immigrants to America can achieve through hard 
                work and character. Presidential Medal of Freedom 
                recipient Roberto Clemente's athletic skills, 
                generosity, and charity made him a legend on and off 
                the baseball field. Through memorable recordings and 
                performances, singer Celia Cruz celebrated her heritage 
                and helped introduce salsa music to the United States.

                Hispanic Americans have sacrificed in defense of this 
                Nation's freedom, serving in every major American 
                conflict. More than three dozen Hispanic Americans have 
                earned the Medal of Honor. Today, more than 125,000 
                Hispanic Americans serve in the Armed Forces, 
                approximately 9 percent of our active-duty military. As 
                we work to advance peace, freedom, and opportunity 
                abroad, we are grateful to all of the brave men and 
                women who serve our Nation, and to their families.

                During Hispanic Heritage Month, I join with all 
                Americans in recognizing the many contributions of 
                Hispanic Americans to the United States, and in 
                celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. 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, 2003, 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.

[[Page 55254]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand three, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
                eighth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-24216
Filed 9-22-03; 11:38 am]

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