Bob Menendez: “I rise today to recognize September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. America has always celebrated its…”

“I rise today to recognize September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. America has always celebrated its diverse heritage with pride. It has always honored those who have contributed and made this Nation great. Irish Americans, Italian Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans--all Americans--have come to this Nation and added to the rich and colorful patchwork quilt of American democracy. This resolution recognizes Hispanic Americans for the contributions they have made to the rich fabric of America. It designates the next 30 days as Hispanic Heritage Month and in so doing celebrates the long history of Latinos in the United States and the extraordinary contribution they have made to this Nation throughout our history. That history is clear--written boldly but sometimes little known. But this is our history in America, and it is America's history. Latinos have proudly served this Nation, helped build it and defend it, and continue to serve today. We have been contributing to and have been part of the American tapestry for hundreds of years.”