[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1229]
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 12, 2018

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect and sincere 
appreciation that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month 
and its 2018 theme, Hispanics: One Endless Voice to Enhance our 
Traditions. From September 15, 2018, through October 15, 2018, 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, respectively. 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.
   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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