[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, the community and diversity of the United 
States have always been our greatest strengths. I rise today to pay 
tribute to a group whose sense of community is as strong as the country 
they represent, the Hispanic community of Flint.
  A community is more than simply the individual people who belong to 
it. A community is people volunteering to help their neighbors in times 
of need, people taking charge and organizing to make that community a 
better place. The Hispanic community of Flint knows what it takes to be 
a strong, caring community. But simply knowing is not enough. That's 
why the Hispanic community has excelled in service and volunteerism to 
help their community, the United States, grow and succeed.
  For this reason the month of September 15 through October 15 has been 
designated ``National Hispanic Heritage Month.'' In celebration, the 
Flint Hispanic community holds its annual Hispanic Awards Ceremony on 
September 14. Members of the Hispanic community who have given 
selflessly of themselves in the areas of education, labor, leadership, 
and service will be honored. An additional award will be presented to a 
veteran, Mr. Aleucion Duran, who exemplifies the highest ideals of 
service to our country.
  This year the Pete Mata Scholarship Award will be presented to Ms. 
Holly Saultsman, while the Pete Mata Jr. Leadership Award is being 
presented to Mr. Pete Mata. Dr. Eduardo Lorenzo will receive the Tano 
Resendez Service Award and Mr. Roel Martinez the Bruno Valdez Arts/
Entertainment Award. The Award for Special Recognition will go to Mr. 
Domingo Berlanga, while the Labor Involvement Award will go to Ms. 
Estela Mata. For outstanding service in the field of education, the Joe 
Benavidez Award will be presented to Ms. Janie Rubio while Ms. Lorena 
Gonzalez will be honored with the Maria Deleary Scholarship Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
congratulating all of this year's honorees and the Flint Hispanic 
community as they celebrate the diversity that makes this country 
great.

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