[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hispanic 
Heritage Month and the countless contributions of Hispanic individuals 
and organizations to the outstanding quality of life enjoyed by 
Northern Virginians. In 1968, Hispanic Heritage Week was established by 
President Lyndon Johnson; 20 years later in 1988, it was expanded by 
President Ronald Reagan to cover the 30-day period between September 15 
and October 15 of each year.
   This period includes several dates of great significance to the 
Hispanic community. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for 
the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, 
Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence 
days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. October 12 is 
Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, and is celebrated in the in United 
States as well as in many Latin American countries.
   Each year since 1994, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has 
recognized Hispanic Heritage Month. Prince William County also 
celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with events in schools and 
libraries. Of course, Hispanic individuals and organizations remain 
active year round to improve our community. Both the Dulles Regional 
Chamber of Commerce and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce support 
active Hispanic Business Councils that promote and improve the Hispanic 
business community and forge strategic partnerships with local 
businesses, community organizations, governments, and elected 
officials. The annual Dulles Regional Chamber Council's Hispanic 
Business Reception welcomes hundreds of guests from the Greater 
Washington Metropolitan Region and attracts corporate executives, 
diplomats, elected officials and non-profit partners, who meet and 
develop working partnerships while enjoying Hispanic culture.
   Northern Virginia is blessed by its diversity and is enriched by our 
vibrant Hispanic community. Approximately 16% of Fairfax County 
residents and 21% of Prince William County residents are Hispanic or 
Latino. In the 11th District of Virginia more than 130,000 of my 
constituents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
   A growing number of small businesses are Latino-owned; and 
MicroTech, one of the 10 Fastest Growing Hispanic-Owned Businesses in 
the nation is located here in the 11th Congressional District. The 
Fairfax Hispanic Firefighters Association, FHFA was established in the 
spring of 2003, to assist the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department 
in the delivery of bilingual Life Safety Education programs. In Prince 
William, the ``Panorama Latino TV Show'' serves as a vital link between 
local governments, first responders, service providers, non-profits, 
and the Hispanic members of our community.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hispanic 
Heritage Month and thanking the Hispanic-American community for their 
contributions to our community.

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