[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 
                                15, 2013

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, since 1968, America has annually celebrated 
the National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of 
those whose ancestors came from South and Central America, Mexico, 
Spain, and the Caribbean. The start day of National Hispanic Heritage 
Month, September 15th, is significant because it is also the 
anniversary of independence for some Latin American countries such as: 
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Additionally, Mexico 
and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and 
September 18th.
  This year's theme, ``Hispanics: Serving and Leading our Nation with 
Pride and Honor,'' highlights the tremendous impact Hispanics have made 
in all sectors of our society. It is individuals like Thomas Perez, the 
country's first Cabinet Secretary of Dominican descent, who reminds us 
that willingness to work hard can help achieve great success. Secretary 
Perez is not only a role model for youths in our congressional 
district, but also an inspirational example of the American Dream.
  I am proud to represent a congressional district with one of the 
largest and diverse Hispanic populations in the country. Our District 
is blessed to have great organizations that provide very useful 
services to my Hispanic constituents such as: Casa de la Herencia 
Cultural Puertorriquena, Institute for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic 
Elderly, Hispanic Federation, El Museo del Barrio, Julia de Burgos 
Cultural Center, Casabe House Development Fund, Inc., the Dominican 
Women's Development Center, El Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano, Inc., 
the PR Dream, Boriken Neighborhood Health Center, Dominican Sunday, 
Inc., The Dominican Bar Association, the Hispanic Community 
Organization for Life, El Asociacion Tepeyac de New York, New York City 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Federation of Hispanic 
Chambers of Commerce, MASA, Acacia Network, Casita Maria, and 
Comunilife. I am grateful for their continuous efforts to improve the 
lives of people in our district.
  I will tirelessly continue to fight for various issues that are most 
important to our Hispanic community, such as comprehensive immigration 
reform which can create a path to citizenship, and provide more 
opportunities for Hispanics to achieve the American Dream.

                          ____________________