[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                       CELEBRATING SALVADORAN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the California State 
Legislature for its efforts to recognize a day that celebrates the 
contributions of the Salvadoran community in the State of California. 
On August 6, 2002, the State of California will officially celebrate El 
Dia del Salvadoreno (Salvadoran Day) for the first time. There are more 
than 275,000 Salvadorans in California, the majority of whom reside in 
Los Angeles County. Many of these individuals have actively 
participated in the professional and political arenas, as well as many 
other fields. It is my hope that the strengths, struggles and triumphs 
of this culturally-rich community can be remembered and passed on for 
generations to come.
  Salvadoran communities throughout California and El Salvador 
currently celebrate Salvadoran Day on August 6 as an act of remembrance 
and celebration. This year's celebration is expected to draw up to 
thirty thousand people. Historically speaking, the official founding of 
Villa de San Salvador occurred on August 6, 1525, in the Valle de las 
Hamacas (Valley of the Hammocks). In this place, the indigenous peoples 
of Central America fought historic battles against the Spanish 
conquistadors. The spirit of those indigenous warriors lives on in the 
Salvadoran people today and is evident in their will to survive and 
fight to better the lives of their families and communities.
  The Salvadoran American National Association (SANA) should be 
commended as well for its actions on behalf of Salvadoran communities 
across the country. SANA is a multi-ethnic peace and reconstruction 
organization founded by Salvadoran-American citizens who have been 
involved in the community for over 25 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the California Legislature and SANA 
for their contributions to the Salvadoran community. Having served two 
years as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, I am especially 
touched by this issue because of my close ties to the people there and 
to the Salvadoran community in California. I will forever remember the 
generosity and friendship of the Salvadoran people, and I am proud to 
celebrate with them this Dia del Salvadoreno.

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