[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2014

  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, America is a nation composed of individuals 
whose ancestors were once part of other nations. As they work for a 
better, brighter tomorrow for themselves and more importantly for their 
children, these individuals become Americans. I would like to take just 
a moment of this body's time to thank and congratulate a group of my 
constituents who are making sure that the story of how their ancestors 
helped build America is shared.
   Today, I rise to recognize Hispanic Heritage of Odessa, which will 
begin a month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a 
breakfast this morning at McKinney Park. Hispanic Heritage Month first 
began in 1968, and each year, the celebration and tradition has grown 
as has our community.
   This morning Hispanic Heritage of Odessa will continue their efforts 
to build a stronger community--one based upon hard work, integrity, and 
the importance of family--by recognizing the good work done by our 
fellow citizens. The breakfast will honor many influential members of 
the Hispanic community in Odessa who serve as an example to the younger 
generation to do good and re-invest in those around you.
   It is important that these stories are shared, not only with the 
wider community in which they live, but also with young people, who 
will benefit by learning how to form the backbone of their community--
one that places their families and neighbors above themselves. Each one 
of those stories is unique, but through each one of them, children will 
hear how hard their parents and grandparents worked to fashion a better 
life for future generations.
   On behalf of the 11th District, it is an honor to recognize and 
represent Hispanic Heritage of Odessa and the thriving, vibrant Latino 
community it serves. As this event and celebration continues to grow, 
it is my hope that the values they celebrate today are transmitted to 
and embraced by the next generation of Hispanic leaders in Ector 
County.

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