[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE'S SAN ANTONIO MUSEO ALAMEDA

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                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2007

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Texas's 20th Congressional 
District, it is my honor to welcome the Smithsonian Institution to San 
Antonio as it officially launches its first formal affiliate, the Museo 
Alameda, from April 12 to 15, 2007. The National Center for Latino Arts 
and Culture is the only organization in the country that maintains 
formal partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. 
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts--important milestones in the 
development and appreciation of the diversity of the United States of 
America. Through its programming, the Museo will showcase stories of 
the Latino experience through art, history and culture.
  The 4 days of opening festivities will begin with Tito Puente, Jr.'s 
Orchestra, the Latino Giants of Jazz, at the Gala Pachanga in Historic 
Market Square. It continues with John Quinones of ABC as master of 
ceremonies for the opening festivities and concludes with Linda 
Ronstadt as headliner for Canciones de mi Padre, a concert for the 
people. I along with the Museo Alameda thank the Ford Motor Company, 
AT&T, and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation for their commitment and 
friendship in making the museum a reality.
  From its inception as the vision of its founding chairman, Henry R. 
Munoz III, to its designation as the first of more than 150 affiliates 
bridging the Smithsonian Institution across the country, the museum has 
impacted our country and our historic city. Through the years of 
planning and development, the unique and vibrant Museo Alameda has 
captured the imagination and inspired the support of countless 
admirers. The Nation's families are invited to visit our museum, to be 
inspired by it, and to appreciate the diversity, contributions and 
pride which Latinos bring to our Nation's greatness. It is time for 
these stories to be told.

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