August 25, 1983
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
National Hispanic Heritage Week pays tribute to a rich part of America's cultural tradition,
offering all Americans a welcome opportunity to recognize the qualities and contributions of
Hispanic Americans from earliest colonial times to the present. The dedication to principles of
loyalty, patriotism, strong religious faith and devotion to family displayed by Hispanic Americans
is basic to the American way of life.
Hispanic Americans have played an important role in the development of our rich cultural heritage
and every State has benefitted from their influence. They have distinguished themselves in the arts
and sciences, education, industry, government and many other areas of productive endeavor.
Indeed, they are a part of all that makes America great.
Just as their forefathers sought a dream in the New World, Hispanic Americans have realized their
dreams in our great Nation and will continue to do so. Their dedication to higher purposes
reflects what is best in the American spirit.
Through the years, Hispanic American citizens have risen to the call of duty in defense of liberty
and freedom. Their bravery is well-known and has been demonstrated time and again, dating back
to the aid rendered by General Bernardo de Galvez during the American Revolution.
In recognition of the many achievements of the Hispanic American Community, the Congress, by
joint resolution approved September 17, 1968 (82 Stat. 848), authorized and requested the
President to issue annually a proclamation designating the week which includes September 15 and
16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim the week beginning September 11, 1983, as National Hispanic Heritage Week in honor
of the Hispanic peoples who have enriched our daily lives, our traditions and our national
strength. In this spirit, I ask all of our citizens to reflect on the sense of brotherhood that binds us
together as one people.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of Aug., in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and seventh.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:10 a.m., August 29, 1983]