[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23436]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 20, 2005

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and pay special tribute to the 
extraordinary contributions of Hispanics towards our great nation. 
Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15th, commemorates 
the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries--
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In 
addition, Mexico and Chile both declared their independence in the 
month of September. This anniversary celebrates the day these countries 
declared their independence from Spanish colonial rule, and continues 
to represent the shared heritage of all Hispanics in our hemisphere.
  This month-long commemoration allows us to celebrate the diversity 
within the Hispanic community in the United States. America's cultural 
diversity has always been one of our nation's greatest strengths. 
Although Hispanics share a common language, their history is rooted 
throughout the Americas and the Iberian Peninsula. Hispanics represent 
a mixture of several ethnic backgrounds, including European, American 
Indian, and African.
  Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have contributed to the 
greatness of America. From the earliest settlers in the New World to 
the most recent arrivals seeking greater opportunities and freedoms, 
Hispanics continue to add to America's unique culture.
  According to the Census Bureau, in 2002, there were 37.4 million 
Hispanics residing in the U.S., representing 13.3 percent of the total 
population. More than 2.7 million Hispanics reside in my home State of 
Florida, and comprise almost 17 percent of the population. As a 
relatively young and rapidly growing population, Hispanics are poised 
to make their mark on our nation for generations to come. Through their 
hard work, commitment to faith and close-knit families, Hispanics have 
the potential to have a significant impact on society.
  Furthermore, beyond this data, the reality is that Hispanics are an 
integral part of America's social fabric. More than one in eight people 
in the U.S. are of Hispanic origin. During this month-long celebration, 
we recognize the millions of Hispanic Americans who value a strong 
commitment to family, hard work, and community. In various aspects of 
society, from the world of sports, music, and literature and to the 
entrepreneurial sector, Hispanics continue to live and pursue the 
American dream. As legislators, we must continue to work for the 
advancement of initiatives that support and provide opportunity for 
all.
  During Hispanic Heritage Month, I urge all of my colleagues to join 
with our fellow citizens in celebrating this rich and diverse culture, 
and I encourage all Americans to recognize the significant role 
Hispanics play in creating and building this great country.

                          ____________________