George Herbert Walker Bush

“ Nevertheless, Americans of Spanish and Latin American descent share a great sense of pride in the deep cultural and historical ties that exist between them.
Rich and varied, the Hispanic American heritage is as old as the story of America itself. Daring Spanish navigators who explored the New World nearly half a millennium ago were the first Europeans to establish settlements in what is now United States territory. In fact, by 1565—almost half a century before British colonists landed at Jamestown—the Spanish had established a permanent settlement at Saint Augustine, Florida. ”

“ Many Hispanic Americans have come to these shores as immigrants, seeking better lives for themselves and their children. The achievements of these men and women indicate that they have not taken liberty for granted. Today Hispanic Americans are reaping the rewards of hard work: more and more are entering the political, social, and economic mainstream of American life. ”

“ Hispanic Americans are eager to enjoy the blessings of freedom and economic opportunity because many have known the bitter reality of life without them. As a Nation, we must keep faith with them and continue working to ensure equal opportunity for all of our citizens. With that in mind, last September I signed the Executive Order on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. This order established a special Presidential Advisory Commission that will help to identify ways that the Federal Government can improve educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans. ”