[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HISPANIC HERITAGE COMMITTEE OF ORANGE COUNTY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 1997

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address my colleagues about 
the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. For years our Nation has 
officially recognized the important contributions Hispanics have made 
to our great country through Hispanic Heritage Month. It is important 
to periodically pause and reflect on the rich contributions Hispanic-
Americans have made to this extraordinary Nation. I commend the 
Hispanic Heritage Committee of Orange County as they celebrate Hispanic 
Heritage Month, 1997.
  While contributing to the diversity of the United States, Hispanic-
Americans themselves are diverse. Some are recent immigrants. Some have 
had their roots in the United States for centuries. Hispanic-Americans 
embrace the American society and culture while at the same time 
perpetuate a unique Hispanic cultural heritage. This heritage proudly 
asserts love of family, country, and religion.
  Hispanics have demonstrated unfailing loyalty to our Nation through 
their service in the Armed Forces. Men and women of Hispanic heritage 
have proudly fought to maintain freedom and democracy throughout the 
world.
  Hispanics hold tremendous faith in the power of the American dream. 
The opportunities offered by this country have enabled many Hispanics 
to succeed. Along with their successes, Hispanics have strived to give 
back something to their community.
  Hispanics helped to build our Nation. From the railroads to the 
freeways, Hispanics have provided not only their labor, but their 
engineering expertise. They have contributed to the colorful tapestry 
that is our American culture through language, music, art, and 
literature. In so doing, they have fortified one of our country's 
greatest assets, its diversity.
  By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the proud 
tradition of family, cultural heritage, and religion that are the 
foundation of Hispanic culture as well as the diversity that enriches 
our Nation and helps it to prosper.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Hispanic Heritage 
Committee of Orange County for their outstanding work in celebrating 
Hispanic Heritage Month.




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