[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 116 (Thursday, September 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2005

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Hispanic Heritage 
Month and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that Hispanics 
make to America year-round. This month-long celebration begins on 
September 15, the anniversary of the independence of 5 Latin American 
countries--Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. 
This anniversary commemorates the day these countries declared their 
independence from colonial rule, and continues to represent unity for 
all Latinos in the U.S. and in Latin America.
  Throughout the month we celebrate the Hispanic community and pause to 
reflect on Hispanic values--faith, family, and patriotism. These values 
are American values. The Hispanic dream--the hope of a better future--
is the American dream. There are more than 41 million Hispanic-
Americans, and their hard work, deep faith and closely-knit families 
have made America a better and stronger country. As a Nation, we must 
advance initiatives that support empowerment and opportunity for all.
  During this month, I am pleased to recognize the efforts of groups in 
Maryland's Eighth Congressional District that work to enrich the lives 
of Hispanic-Americans. An example of one such group is CASA de 
Maryland. The Ford Foundation and the National Council of La Raza, NCLR 
named CASA de Maryland ``Affiliate of the Year'' in recognition of its 
hard work and dedication to providing services that improve the lives 
of Latinos and others in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.
  As we honor the achievements of Hispanics, we know that celebrating 
the Hispanic community for one month a year is not enough. All Latinos 
deserve a real opportunity to achieve the American dream, whether they 
have been here for generations or have just arrived on our shores.

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