fficiat I ill entorattbunt WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. Governor of Texas GREETINGS: AUSTIN, TEXAS From the earliest days of our Nation's history, Hispanics have played an important role in our Country's developments. Hispanic Americans constitute the second largest ethnic group in the United States and there are approximately 3 million Hispanics in the State of Texas. Texas has felt the tremendous influence of the Hispanic culture in our development as a State. It is reflected in many ways that surround us daily--in the names of more than two million of our citizens, in the names of our cities, in our architecture, in our literature, in our food and in the records of achievement of this State. Texas Hispanic Americans have played a major role in the defense of our Nation--several having received the Congressional Medal of Honor. We are profoundly grateful for their contributions to our Nation's strength and to the cause of world peace. In a Joint Resolution approved in September of 1968, the Congress of the United States requested that a period in September be annually designated in recognition of Hispanic Heritage. First as explorers, then as settlers, and today as leaders in cultural, social, economic and all segments of society, men and women of Hispanic ancestry, diverse in character, proud in heritage, are greatly enriching American life. The Hispanic influence continues as one of the great strengths of our State, and I urge Texans to recognize the invaluable contributions of Hispanic-Americans throughout our history and in today's modern society. THEREFORE, I, as Governor of Texas, do hereby designate the week of September 13-19, 1981, as HISPANIC HERITAGE WEEK in Texas, and call upon all the citizens of this State to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my 14th Sept. 81 signature this------------------------day of----------------, 19----------- Governor of Texas