Hispanic Americans

“ America has always drawn strength from the extraordinary diversity of its people. The earliest settlers came to this great land seeking opportunity, bringing with them an abundant wealth of traditions from countries the world over. Thus the vibrant Hispanic culture has long been entwined with our Nation's heritage, and people of Latin American and Spanish ancestry have infused our national life with energy and vision. In the arts, the sciences, the business world, academia, and government, Hispanic Americans have added immeasurably to our progress. ”

“ The contributions of Hispanic Americans to the life of our Nation are much more than economic. Their strong commitment to family, community, and country sets a shining example for all our people. Generations of Hispanic Americans have served and sacrificed in America's Armed Forces to defend liberty and advance democracy throughout the world. ”

“ All Americans, regardless of national origin, celebrate the vibrant Hispanic American spirit that influences our Nation's art, music, food, and faiths. We also celebrate the practices of commitment to family, love of country, and respect for others, virtues that transcend ethnicity, reflect the American spirit, and are nobly exemplified in the Hispanic American community.
The strong ties that Hispanic Americans maintain with their ancestral homeland remind us that the United States must pursue robust relations with its trading partners in Latin America and the Caribbean. ”

“ While the impact of the Hispanic culture is manifest in our Nation's customs and traditions, this legacy continues on beyond the pages of history. Today, Hispanic Americans continue to make important contributions to our society. It would be impossible to think of American Government, business, industry, Armed Forces, agriculture, science, sports, and the arts without noting the presence and full participation of Hispanic Americans. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Today, people of Hispanic heritage are an increasingly important and growing segment of our Nation's population. Studies show that, in just a few years, Hispanics will form the largest minority group in the United States. In little more than a decade, Hispanic Americans will wield buying power of nearly $1 trillion per year. ”

“ This month, as we remember with special gratitude the gifts that Hispanic Americans bring to every aspect of our national life, let us reaffirm our efforts to ensure that all Hispanic American families have the tools and opportunities they need to make the most of their lives. Working together, we can meet the challenges of the 21st century in a way that will celebrate our differences and unite us around our common values. ”

“ The accomplishments of Hispanic Americans through the years remind all of us that in America we are blessed with the freedom to live, work, and worship in peace and to build a better life for ourselves and our children. Generations of proud, hardworking, enterprising Hispanic Americans have strengthened our communities and fought for our country. ”

“ In our international relations, Hispanic Americans also contribute to our Nation's identity-our own perception of who we are and our role in the world, as well as others' perception of us. The strong family and cultural ties which bind Hispanics in the United States with our nearest neighbors are an important element of the strength of the Western Hemisphere. The freedom of our neighbors is our freedom. ”

“ On their part, the Hispanic Americans have come to a clearer consciousness of the fact that on the continents of the New World there are two distinct types of civilization, with all that each connotes of differences in race, psychology, tradition, language, and custom—their own, and that represented by the United States. Appreciative though the southern countries are of their northern neighbor, they cling nevertheless to their heritage from Spain and Portugal in whatever seems conducive to the maintenance of their own ideals of life and thought. ”

“ Men and women of Hispanic origin—Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans and other Spanish Speaking Americans—have contributed significantly to the growth of America. They have served with courage and distinction in our Armed Forces. In endeavors as varied as music, architecture, medicine, law, education, literature and religion, Hispanic-Americans have contributed wisdom, beauty and spiritual strength. ”

“ In a Nation that derives so much of its strength from many cultures and races, Hispanic Americans are a thriving force in our society and a vital part of our economy. For example, businesses started and operated by Hispanic women constitute one of the fastest-growing categories of small business in the United States today. ”

“ Young Hispanic Americans are future leaders, educators, and workers of our Nation. For their sake and for the generations of young people to come, we must strive to advance the great traditions of family and community that have enabled Hispanic Americans to make invaluable contributions to our country since its beginnings. ”

“ As did earlier decades, the 1980s present Hispanic Americans with new opportunities to pursue their goals and advance our society. Like those before them today's Hispanic Americans meet their challenges and responsibilities with dignity and a creative spirit. Their energetic commitment to hard work and their determination to participate fully in the American Dream bring strength and inspiration to us all. ”

“ Among the Hispanic nations of America only Mexico took part in the First Conference at The Hague. Practically all of them were represented at the second. The appearance of their delegates at these august assemblages of the powers of earth was viewed for a while with mixed feelings. The attitude of the Great Powers towards them resembled that of parents of the old regime: children at the international table should be "seen and not heard." As a matter of fact, the Hispanic Americans were both seen and heard—especially the latter! ”

“ Hispanic Americans bring to us, as well, a tradition of respect for the role of women both at home and in the workplace. Hispanic Americans serve with distinction in our military services today as they have served with leadership and courage on the battlefield in defense of this nation in the past. ”

“ Hispanic Americans give many gifts to our Nation, such as perpetuating the traditions of their ancestral homelands and offering a great array of talents and insights as they achieve and excel in every area of endeavor. ”