[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE CITY 
                            OF INDIANAPOLIS

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                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the celebration of 
the anniversary of Mexico's Independence Day by the residents of 
Indianapolis.
  There are over thirteen million people of Mexican origin or descent 
currently living in the United States. Hoosiers of Mexican descent have 
made vital economic, social, and cultural contributions to the City of 
Indianapolis. On September 15, 1999, St. Patrick's Church of 
Indianapolis will host a community celebration in honor of Mexico's 
independence.
  In 1810, 189 years ago, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Franciscan 
Priest, voiced ``El Grito de Dolores,'' imploring the Mexican people to 
fight for their freedom and liberty, revolutionizing the course of 
Mexican history. Upon ringing the church bells to announce to the world 
that a new movement for freedom had begun, the venerable and revered 
Hidalgo proclaimed, ``Long live our Lady of Guadalupe, Death to the 
Gachupines! Viva La Independencia.''
  Today, Hoosiers of Mexican descent posses a love for freedom and 
liberty that honors their heroic forbears who undertook the courageous 
battle for Mexican independence. As the struggle for freedom began at 
the footsteps of the church, it is fitting that another church and 
another priest, Father Thomas Fox, will help to lead the Indianapolis 
community celebration of this anniversary.
  As we prepare to cross the threshold to the 21st Century, the good 
work of the entire St. Patrick's family ensures that Indianapolis makes 
welcome all whose hopes and dreams have led them to our community. It 
is with much joy that I join the St. Patrick's community in exclaiming 
``Viva Mexico!''

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