Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval Patrick
Whereas Hispanic Americans continue to be a vital part of the Commonwealth’s rich diversity by contributing significantly to all aspects of daily life, including education, medicine, commerce, agriculture, public service, technology, and the arts; and
Whereas Hispanic Americans make up nearly nine percent of the Massachusetts population; and
Whereas Hispanic Americans trace their heritage to a diverse group of nations and the close cultural, social, and economic ties between these countries and the Commonwealth promise to expand and strengthen as we continue through the 21st century; and
Whereas The nations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile celebrate their independence between the dates of September 15 and September 18; and
Whereas Hispanic owned businesses, including enterprises from neighborhood storefronts to multi0national corporations, are vital to the economic growth, wealth and job creation in the Commonwealth; and
Whereas It is appropriate that all residents recognize Hispanic Americans for their many contributions to the cities and towns across our Commonwealth,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim September 15, 2012 until October 15, 2012 to be,
Hispanic Heritage Month
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this twelfth day of September, in the year two thousand and twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts