[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H2240-H2241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   EL PASO QUADRICENTENNIAL FESTIVAL

  (Mr. REYES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, beginning tomorrow, April 24 through April 
26,

[[Page H2241]]

the city of El Paso, Texas, will host the El Paso Quadricentennial 
Festival. This festival is an international celebration, bringing 
together representatives from Spain, Mexico and other nations around 
the world to join in celebrating the 400th anniversary of the 
expedition of the Spanish explorer, Don Juan de Onate, through the 
Southwest.
  His exploration began in January of 1598, when he and 400 other men 
and women traveled from Mexico through the present day El Paso, Texas. 
After numerous hardships during their journey, the expedition arrived 
along the banks of the Rio Grande River in April of 1598.
  In gratitude for surviving their difficult travel and finding water 
along the Rio Grande, they observed a feast and celebrated with local 
Indians. This historical event is considered the first Thanksgiving, 
which occurred 22 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, 
Massachusetts.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important for our Nation to recognize this 400th 
anniversary. I am proud that El Paso is hosting this International 
Commemoration, as it enhances our country's understanding of the 
extensive influence of the Spanish language and culture on our heritage 
and origins of this Nation.

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