[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 33 (Monday, March 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REGARDING NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to commemorate 
National African American History Month. Since its inception in 1926, 
this period has provided all Americans with a valuable opportunity to 
discover, cherish, and reflect on the many accomplishments of African 
Americans. Their contributions are as vast as they are diverse. From 
the arts to education to public service to entertainment, African 
Americans have left an indelible mark on all areas of American culture 
and history.
  During this difficult time in our nation's history, we pay special 
tribute this month to those African Americans serving in the United 
States Armed Forces. As they have in every military conflict in 
American history, African Americans continue to play an essential role 
in defending our freedoms and protecting our homeland. Over 21 percent 
of the United States military is African American. In the Army alone, 
30 percent of enlistees are African American. We also commend the 2.6 
million African Americans veterans who have served our nation with 
great valor and distinction.
  Earlier this month, we lost seven courageous American explorers in 
the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. Among them was Lieutenant Colonel 
Michael Anderson, one of the African American astronauts in the space 
program. His successful rise at NASA and his scientific contributions 
to our world will certainly inspire a new generation of children of 
color to follow in his tremendous footpaths.
  I encourage all Americans this month and throughout the year to 
recall and treasure the important contributions of African Americans to 
our nation's history.

                          ____________________