RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The United States observes National Hispanic Heritage Month every year from September 15 through October 15 to recognize and celebrate the many contributions made by Hispanics and Latinos, which have shaped our society and culture, built and strengthened our Nation, and helped to make the United States a diverse, thriving, and vibrant democracy; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States for more than 30 years. The observance began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as a one-week celebration called Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, thanks in large part to the efforts of Illinois Senator Paul Simon, the United States Congress passed and President Ronald Reagan signed into law Public Law 100-402, designating the "31 day period beginning September 15 and ending on October 15" as National Hispanic Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, September 15 was chosen as the starting point for an annual celebration honoring Americans of Hispanic descent because it marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18 and September21, respectively; and
WHEREAS, Today, National Hispanic Heritage Month'is celebrated nationwide at local festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and other events emphasizing the rich history, culture and traditions, and myriad accomplishments and contributions, of Hispanic and Latino Americans; and
WHEREAS, During National Hispanic Heritage Month, the United States military honors the 1.2 million Hispanic and Latino men and women who, over the course of our history, have answered the call to serve in our Nation's Armed Forces. Sixty-one people of Hispanic or Latino descent have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest United States military decoration awarded by Congress for gallantry and bravery in combat. In 2019, His...
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