[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10821-S10822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, America's greatest asset is its 
people, and what makes the American population unlike any other 
country's is our diversity. No other nation draws strength from so many 
different cultures, and the American population is a mosaic of the 
world's many nationalities. Through time, the traditions from these 
many nations have become part of our own society, enriching our 
national culture. But our Nation would not be nearly as strong without 
the contributions of Americans who are of Hispanic descent. In 
recognition of these contributions, our Nation is currently celebrating 
Hispanic Heritage Month.
  Hispanic Heritage Month provides a wonderful opportunity for us to 
honor the diverse achievements and contributions of Hispanics in this 
country. I know that in my home State of Connecticut there have been 
parades and dances to mark this occasion, as well as readings of works 
by Hispanic authors at public libraries. All of these events give 
Hispanic-Americans a deeper appreciation for their roots, and make all 
Americans more aware of the contributions that Hispanics make to our 
Nation.
  Perhaps the easiest way to understand and appreciate the extent to 
which Hispanics have become entwined in the American landscape would 
come from reading the newspaper. On the front page, you could read an 
article about our Secretary of Energy or the U.S. Ambassador to the 
United Nations who are both Hispanic. In the business section you could 
read an article on the Latino Administrator of the Small Business 
Administration who released

[[Page S10822]]

a report showing that the number of new businesses owned by Hispanic 
women has grown at three times the overall rate of business growth. In 
the arts section you could read about a recital by a Spanish guitarist 
playing flamenco music at a local theater. The food section could have 
an writeup of a new Mexican restaurant that just opened up downtown. 
And in the Sports section you could read about the Major League 
Baseball playoffs where every single team has Hispanic players that are 
responsible for their team's success. In fact, in the Washington Post 
sports pages you could read coverage of World Cup Soccer, in Spanish.
  When we talk about Hispanics and how their contributions make our 
Nation more vibrant and diverse, it is important that we recognize the 
great diversity that exists within the Hispanic community itself. 
Hispanic-Americans come from a variety of nations, ranging from Central 
America to South America to Europe to the Caribbean.
  What unites Hispanic-Americans is a fundamental respect for the 
traditions and values of their native lands combined with a strong 
commitment to the American dream. Life in America requires that they 
strike a balance between embracing their roots and assimilating into 
this new culture. Reaching this balance can be a struggle, but it is a 
struggle that will leave them enriched as individuals, while at the 
same time enriching our Nation.
  Hispanic-Americans should take great pride in their heritage, and I 
am glad that Hispanic Heritage Month gives our Nation an opportunity to 
honor and celebrate their contributions.

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