(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced the introduction of a
Senate resolution that she cosponsored commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month,
which is celebrated every year between September 15th and October 15th.
“In
communities across Washington state, Latinos have achieved greatness – in
business, service, and government – and their achievements deserve recognition
and celebration,”
said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to join my colleagues as we
commemorate the unique heritage and culture of the Latino community.”
The
full text of the resolution appears below:
Recognizing
Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in
the United States and
their immense contributions to the Nation.
Whereas,
from September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, the United States celebrates
Hispanic Heritage Month;
Whereas
the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population in the United States at
almost 47,800,000 people, making Hispanic Americans the largest ethnic minority
within the United States;
Whereas
1 in 3 United States public school students is Hispanic, and the total number
of Hispanic students enrolled in
public schools in the United States is expected to reach 28,000,000 by 2050;
Whereas
the purchasing power of Hispanic Americans is nearly $1,000,000,000,000, and
there are more than 2,300,000 Hispanic-owned firms in the United States,
supporting millions of employees nationwide and greatly contributing to the
economic sector, especially retail trade, wholesale trade, food services, and
construction;
Whereas
Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces and have bravely
fought in every war in the history of the United States;
Whereas
more than 28,000 Hispanics currently serve with distinction in Afghanistan and
Iraq;
Whereas
140,000 Hispanic soldiers served in the Korean War;
Whereas
more than 80,000 Hispanics served in the Vietnam War, representing 5.5 percent
of individuals who made the ultimate
sacrifice for their country in that conflict although they comprised only 4.5
percent of the United States population at the time;
Whereas,
as of August 7, 2010, 561 United States military fatalities in Iraq and
Afghanistan have been Hispanic;
Whereas,
as of September 30, 2009, there were approximately 1,332,033 Hispanic veterans
of the Armed Forces;
Whereas
41 Hispanic Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the
highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed
upon an individual serving in the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas
Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, holding posts at the highest
levels of government, including 1 seat on the Supreme Court, 1 seat in the
Senate, 28 seats in the House of Representatives, and 2 seats in the Cabinet;
and
Whereas
Hispanic Americans harbor a deep commitment to family and community, an
enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed and contribute to society:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
That the Senate—
(1)
recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2010,
through October 15, 2010;
(2)
esteems the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the
economy, culture, and identity of the United States; and
(3)
urges the people of the United States to observe Hispanic Heritage Month with
appropriate programs and activities that appreciate the cultural contributions
of Latinos to American life.
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