[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 130 (Friday, September 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to celebrate the 
activities of Hispanic Heritage Month. Governor O'Bannon has designated 
September 15 through October 15, 1998, Indiana's Hispanic Heritage 
Month. This proclamation is in recognition of the efforts Indiana's 
Hispanic-American population has consistently displayed to improve the 
State of Indiana, as well as Indiana's First Congressional District.
  In Northwest Indiana, you will find a vibrant, active, and proud 
Hispanic community. Thriving organizations such as the Latin American 
Community Alliance for Support and Assistance (LACASA) of NWI, Inc., 
Northwest Indiana Hispanic Coordinating Council, Hispanic Women's Forum 
of NWI, Union Benefica Mexicana, Puerto Rican Parade and Cultural 
Organization, Sociedad Mutualista Mexico, Raza de Bronze, Northwest 
Indiana Latino Historical Society, the Hispanic Catholic Center, 
National Association of Hispanic Nurses-Indiana Chapter, National 
Council of LaRaza affiliate, U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute 
affiliates, National Council of Puerto Rican Women (NaCoPRW), League of 
United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Indiana University Northwest's 
ALMA Latino student organization, Purdue University Calumet's Los 
Latinos student organization, Calumet College of St. Joseph's Los 
Amigos Latino student organization, Ivy Tech State College's Latino 
student organization, Valparaiso University's LIVE Latino student 
organization, to name a few, provide an effective avenue for promoting 
Hispanic interests and their shared cultural heritage.
  Active in every aspect of community life from labor organizer, police 
chief, and Federal district court judge to educators, Labor President, 
and clergy, the citizens of Northwest Indiana have a multitude of 
Hispanic-American role models to emulate. Indeed, as an increasingly 
important segment of the Northwest Indiana community, Hispanic-
Americans are making many valuable contributions to our state and 
region. These valuable contributions have come not only culturally, but 
also in the areas of law, religion, agriculture, education, 
architecture, and technology. Without the contributions of Hispanic-
Americans, the rich, diverse, ethnically flavored culture of Northwest 
Indiana would be incomplete.
  Mr. Speaker, Hispanic-Americans strive to earn and enjoy the promise 
and benefits that America, at its best, extends to all. I am proud to 
serve as the Representative in Congress for Northwest Indiana, with its 
diverse multicultural heritage, and I encourage my distinguished 
colleagues, and all citizens, to participate and enjoy events 
commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.

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