[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17449]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                  IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage 
Month--a celebration of Americans of Hispanic heritage and their 
significant contributions to our community and to our nation, and 
hosted this year by the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans 
Affairs Centers in Brecksville and Wade Park.
  This year's theme is ``Hispanic Americans: Strength in Unity, Faith 
and Diversity''. This expression is reflective of the five hundred-year 
history of Hispanic culture and contribution to America. Americans of 
Hispanic heritage have gracefully and significantly assimilated to, and 
contributed within, every aspect of our society--enhancing the vibrancy 
and diversity of life in America.
  Hispanic Americans have contributed immeasurably to all areas of our 
culture--from medicine, law, and business, to education, music and the 
fine arts. Hispanic Americans in our community and in communities 
across the country are life-saving doctors and nurses, inspiring 
professors, dedicated teachers, committed elected officials, fair-
minded judges, and hardworking factory employees. Americans of Hispanic 
heritage bring energy, innovation, and a real sense of social justice 
to America, while retaining the cultural traditions of their homeland--
for all citizens to enjoy.
  Moreover, United States Veterans of Hispanic heritage have answered 
the call to action when our nation needed them most. Thousands of these 
veterans made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the rights and freedoms 
for all citizens. Because of the conviction, bravery and selfless 
action of American Veterans of Hispanic heritage--action seen in every 
American military conflict, and within every branch of the United 
States Armed Forces--American democracy and American freedom has been 
preserved.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration 
of Hispanic Heritage Month, and join me in expressing my gratitude to 
the outstanding contributions made by Hispanic Americans, especially 
American Veterans of Hispanic heritage, for their sacrifices and 
triumphs, on behalf of our entire society. Their journey to America, 
fraught with significant obstacles and strife, paved the way for a 
better life for their children and future generations, and signifies 
what it means to be an American. Within our diversity we find strength. 
Within our traditions we find unity. And because of their journey--and 
the journey of people from all points of the world--we are stronger as 
a community, more unified as a nation, and better as people.

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