[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1781-E1782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 23, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Hispanic 
Heritage Month, a month long celebration beginning on September 15, and 
lasting until October 15.
  America strives on the diversity of its people. As a nation, we pride 
ourselves on the fact that our national character is magnified by 
citizens who assert and respect cultural customs brought from other 
lands. Hispanics, nearly five-hundred years ago, came to this country 
in search of democracy, freedom and a better way of life.
  Throughout history, Hispanic Americans have immensely contributed to 
the well-being and advancement of our nation. Through science, 
business, government, agriculture, academics and the Armed Forces, 
Hispanic Americans have made their presence known in American history. 
They have undauntedly fought to preserve democracy in America, having 
served in the United States Armed Forces in dimensions much larger than 
their percentage of the population.
  Hispanic Heritage month is a time to acknowledge the contributions 
that Hispanic Americans have made to our country, and are continuing to 
make. Communities all over the nation are celebrating Hispanic Heritage 
Month, each in their own distinct manner. In Cleveland, the Cuyahoga 
Community College Hispanic Steering Council is coordinating the 
Festival Hispano, featuring performances, workshops and lectures 
celebrating Hispanic culture and tradition.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in sending a special thanks to 
the following organizations for their outstanding contributions to 
making the Cleveland Festival Hispano, such a success: Beck Center for 
Cultural Arts, Case Western Reserve University, Centro Cultural Hispano 
de Cleveland, City of Cleveland, The Cleveland Cinematheque, Cleveland 
State University, John Caroll University, Julia de Burgos Cultural Art 
Center, Cleveland Public Library, M.Q. Productions, Cleveland Museum of 
Art, Ohio Hispanic Social Service Workers

[[Page E1782]]

Association, The Cleveland Orchestra, Phantasmagoria Gallery, Spanish 
American Committees, Cuyahoga Community College, and the Westside Vet 
Center.

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