[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18632]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of this week's 
anniversary of independence of numerous Latin American countries, of 
our country's National Hispanic Heritage Month, and in special 
recognition of Latinos in my district and throughout our country.
  Today, September 15, five Latin American countries commemorate their 
independence, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, 
and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their 
independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. I 
join these nations in mutual celebration of liberty, democracy and 
freedom, values which we hold so dear.
  Today also marks the beginning of our country's National Hispanic 
Heritage Month. During this month, America celebrates the culture and 
traditions of our friends and neighbors who trace their roots to Mexico 
and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, and 
the Caribbean.
  I am proud that my district is the home of more than 100,000 
residents of Hispanic or Latino descent. This community is comprised of 
individuals who cherish their various ethnicities, national origins, 
and opinions. And yet, the Hispanic-American community is united by the 
importance that they place on faith, family, hard work, and the hope of 
sharing in a better America. We in Congress must re-dedicate ourselves 
to ensuring that our friends and neighbors in the Hispanic community 
have the opportunity to build their businesses, take full advantage of 
our schools and universities, and unite their families across borders--
a task upon which my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus 
have endeavored for many years.
  Mr. Speaker, the Hispanic community is a vital part of my district 
and our country. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in support and 
celebration of the many Latin American countries celebrating their 
independence this week, of the beginning of our great National Hispanic 
Heritage Month, and of all our Hispanic brethren.

                          ____________________