[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S9640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S9640]]
    SENATE RESOLUTION 571--RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND 
    CELEBRATING THE VAST CONTRIBUTIONS OF HISPANIC AMERICANS TO THE 
               STRENGTH AND CULTURE OF THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. FRIST (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Salazar, Mr. 
Santorum, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. 
Lieberman, Mr. Menendez, and Mr. Nelson of Florida) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 571

       Whereas from September 15, 2006, through October 15, 2006, 
     the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
       Whereas the presence of Hispanics in North America predates 
     the founding of the United States, and, as among the first to 
     settle in the New World, Hispanics and their descendants have 
     had a profound and lasting influence on the history, values, 
     and culture of the United States;
       Whereas, since the arrival of the earliest Spanish settlers 
     more than 400 years ago, millions of Hispanic men and women 
     have come to the United States from Mexico, Puerto Rico, 
     Cuba, and other Caribbean regions, Central America, South 
     America, and Spain, in search of freedom, peace, and 
     opportunity;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans have contributed throughout the 
     ages to the prosperity and culture of the United States;
       Whereas the Bureau of the Census now lists Hispanic 
     Americans as the largest ethnic minority within the United 
     States;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the 
     Armed Forces and have fought valiantly in every war in the 
     history of the United States;
       Whereas the Medal of Honor is the highest United States 
     military distinction, awarded since the Civil War for 
     ``conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life 
     above and beyond the call of duty'';
       Whereas 41 men of Hispanic origin have earned this 
     distinction, including 21 such men who sacrificed their 
     lives;
       Whereas many Hispanic Americans who served in the Armed 
     Forces have continued their service to the United States;
       Whereas many Hispanic Americans are dedicated public 
     servants, holding posts at the highest levels of government, 
     including 3 current seats in the United States Senate; and
       Whereas Hispanic Americans have a deep commitment to faith, 
     family, and community, an enduring work ethic, and a 
     perseverance to succeed: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes September 15, 2006, through October 15, 
     2006, as Hispanic Heritage Month;
       (2) celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans 
     to the strength and culture of the United States; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
     activities.

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