[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 13, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1209]
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

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2017

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere 
appreciation that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month 
and its 2017 theme, Shaping the Bright Future of America. From 
September 15, 2017, through October 15, 2017, in honor of Hispanic 
Heritage Month, the people of the United States will once again 
celebrate the cultures and traditions and reflect on the many 
outstanding contributions our Hispanic brothers and sisters have made 
throughout our country's history.
   Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins each year on September 15, 
recognizes the anniversaries 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 honor the rich culture and 
traditions of Hispanic Americans, but also to reflect on the tremendous 
impact Hispanic Americans have had within their communities and 
throughout our nation. The tireless efforts of generations of Hispanic 
Americans have resulted in a better America.
   America'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 our society. This 
year's theme also focuses on our nation's future and the immense impact 
Hispanic Americans will continue to have on creating a better tomorrow.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to once again join me in recognizing Hispanic Heritage 
Month. Throughout America's history, present, and future, the Hispanic 
community has played and will continue to play a major role in 
enriching the quality of life for the people of the United States, and 
for their outstanding contributions they are worthy of our respect and 
gratitude.

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