[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate National 
Hispanic Heritage Month. I am honored to have the opportunity to 
recognize the valuable contributions and achievements of the Hispanic 
people of our proud country.
  For the nearly 34 years I have represented my home State of New 
Mexico in the Senate, I have witnessed the growth and success of the 
Hispanic community in almost every facet of social life. New Mexico's 
Hispanic community has a long and rich history that dates back 
centuries. Today, it can claim a long ledger of accomplishments in 
fields as diverse as science and art, business and sport, medicine and 
public service.
  With respect to the fields of science and military service, I am 
proud to call attention to the remarkable achievements of Sidney 
Gutierrez. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Sidney Gutierrez is a 
distinguished astronaut who has complied over 488 hours in space during 
his time with NASA. Sidney has been recognized by Hispanic Business 
Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in America, and 
he has also been a recipient of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus 
Award. Prior to his stellar achievements at NASA, Sidney served his 
country in the U.S. Air Force after he graduated from the Air Force 
Academy. What is important to note about Sidney's record is that his 
isn't an aberration. Today, hundreds of Hispanics serve our Nation's 
high-tech fields--both in the private sector and for the Government as 
scientists and researchers at our national laboratories.
  Today, many Hispanic people from New Mexico continue to serve their 
country in the armed services. They have stood up as proud Americans 
and volunteered to protect their families and communities during the 
global war on terror. We should also take this moment to remember the 
sacrifices Hispanics have made to preserve the liberties and freedom 
that make America a beacon of hope to millions around the world. Just 
as soldiers from New Mexico distinguished themselves in battles at 
Battan, Attu, North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, today men and 
women in uniform of Hispanic heritage are fighting for their Nation in 
Afghanistan and Iraq. Our Nation is stronger because of these men and 
women. They deserve the gratitude of the Nation for their sacrifices.
  Hispanic Americans have also been active in other forms of public 
service. The first Hispanic Congressman in the House of Representatives 
and the first Hispanic Senator in our Nation's history were from New 
Mexico. Since it became a State in 1912, New Mexico has been a 
trailblazer in placing Hispanics into elected office.
  The first Hispanic Senator in our Nation's history was a New Mexican 
by the name of Octaviano Larrazolo. Senator Larrazolo lived a rich life 
and valued public service above everything else. He was one of the 
early and important contributors to the constitution of the State of 
New Mexico and a fearless advocate for statehood. It was no surprise 
then that the people of New Mexico elected him to serve as their 
Governor. Throughout his career he was known as an advocate for better 
education and believed that a strong educational system was the key 
advancement in our fair and competitive society.
  The tradition of Congress celebrating the contributions of Hispanic 
Americans goes back almost 40 years. In 1968, Congress started by 
designating a week to celebrate Hispanic heritage. Over the years, we 
decided to extend the designation to cover a month starting on 
September 15. The extra time has been a necessary and appropriate 
change to allow us to recognize the long record of contributions 
Hispanic Americans have made to our communities and to our Nation. I 
call on the American people to join with all children, families, 
organizations, communities, churches, cities, and States across the 
Nation to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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