[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1286-E1287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2015

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2015 
theme, Honoring Our Heritage. Building Our Future. The people of the 
United

[[Page E1287]]

States will once again celebrate the histories, cultures, and 
traditions of our Hispanic American brothers and sisters from September 
15, 2015, through October 15, 2015.
   Hispanic Heritage Month begins each year on September 15, the 
anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa 
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile 
observe their independence days on September 16 and September 18. 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 pay tribute to the rich culture and traditions of 
Hispanic Americans, but also to reflect on the numerous contributions 
they have made that have led to improvements within their communities, 
and in turn, a better America.
   Our nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural 
diversity of its people. Hispanic Heritage Month 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.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. 
Throughout America's history, present, and future, the Hispanic 
community has played and continues to play a major role in enriching 
the quality of life and culture of our great nation, and for their 
outstanding contributions they are worthy of the highest praise.

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