[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H6160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NEW MEXICO CENTENNIAL RESOLUTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
Mexico (Mr. Lujan) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a proud milestone 
in the history of the great State of New Mexico. This year marks the 
centennial anniversary of the ``Land of Enchantment.''
  Filmmakers have spent years documenting the history and beauty of New 
Mexico, sharing the importance of our acequias, stories of history and 
tradition in ``Canes of Power,'' stories and tales told by Rudolfo 
Anaya, and art and landscapes captured by Georgia O'Keefe.
  New Mexico has a long and rich heritage that is rooted in the shared 
history of a diverse population, a history that respects diversity and 
language, a land whose State constitution was drafted and adopted in 
both English and Spanish. And while Santa Fe, the City of Faith, holds 
the distinction as the oldest capital city in the country, celebrating 
400 years last year, statehood came later in 1912, when a territory 
known for its beautiful scenery, natural wonders, and pristine 
landscapes was admitted into the Union as the 47th State.
  New Mexico is blessed with rich cultural landmarks: Chaco Canyon, 
Bandelier, the Taos Gorge and Blue Lake, and the Plaza in Santa Fe. 
Thousands of visitors each year travel to learn of the unique 
traditions and spirit that make New Mexico such a special place with 
blue skies, sunsets and sunrises and starry nights you won't find 
anywhere else in the world.
  The Land of Enchantment is home to a diverse population that can 
trace its roots back to Spanish, Mexican, and Native American cultures, 
amongst others. As home to one of the richest indigenous tribal 
populations in the United States, New Mexico is proud of the influences 
and contributions of the 19 Pueblo Nations, two Apache Nations, and the 
Navajo Nation. These diverse cultures coming together to share a common 
bond of calling New Mexico home has served as a source of strength for 
our State, as the influence of art, agriculture, and architecture can 
be felt to this very day.
  During the past 100 years, New Mexico has had a proud tradition of 
service to our country. In World War II, Navajo Code Talkers 
contributed to victory for the Allied Forces, while many native sons of 
New Mexico sacrificed in the Battle of Bataan. In the Korean Cold War, 
Hiroshi Miyamura of Gallup was awarded the Medal of Honor for his 
distinguished service. Most recently, Santa Fe native Sergeant Leroy 
Petry earned the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions in the face 
of great danger in Afghanistan. And in every war in between, New 
Mexicans have proudly defended our Nation and answered the call of duty 
when they were needed most.
  New Mexico has also served our Nation as a center for scientific 
innovation and research. Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories 
have been home to a number of scientific endeavors that have been 
important priorities for our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, as New Mexico celebrates 100 years of statehood, we're 
reminded of how special this beautiful land we call home is. As a 
native New Mexican, it is with great pride in our past and hope for our 
future that I come to this floor to recognize the enduring 
contributions of New Mexicans during the course of our State's history.
  A special love for our land and water helps shape our lives. A land 
of faith and family, culture and tradition--and, Mr. Speaker, the best 
chili found anywhere in the world--ours is a special story, an American 
story, one passed from one generation to the next, with our most 
precious lessons coming from our elders: our parents and our 
grandparents. In the words of my parents, Ben and Carmen, when they 
send me off on any journey when I depart from home: Y que Dios les 
bendigan--may God bless you.

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