[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 129 (Thursday, September 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to 
celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2013 theme, 
Hispanics: Serving and Leading Our Nation with Pride and Honor. From 
September 15, 2013, through October 15, 2013, the people of the United 
States will once again celebrate the history, culture, and tradition of 
our Hispanic American brothers and sisters.
   Hispanic Heritage Month begins each year on September 15th, the 
anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa 
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile 
celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, 
respectively. Since its inception as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 
1968, which later became National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, 
Americans have taken this time to not only honor the rich culture and 
tradition of Hispanic Americans, but also to reflect on the countless 
contributions they have made to their communities and to America.
   Throughout America's history, people of Hispanic descent have played 
a major role in the development and progress of our nation. National 
Hispanic Heritage Month also celebrates the many Hispanic leaders and 
members of our communities who have added to the prosperity of the 
United States in every facet of society, including medicine, business, 
arts and entertainment, sports, education, politics, and the military.
   America's success is dependent upon the rich heritage and cultural 
diversity of our people. I rise today to pay tribute to the countless 
Hispanic Americans who have made America a better place to live. For 
their contributions, they are worthy of our highest praise.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month. The 
Hispanic community has played an important role in enriching the 
quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana and the United States. 
Let us commend our Hispanic brothers and sisters who have contributed 
so much to the improvement of our communities and who have helped shape 
our great nation.

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