Sean Reyes: “beginning tomorrow, April 24 through April 26, the city of El Paso, Texas, will host the El Paso Quadricentennial…”

“beginning tomorrow, April 24 through April 26, the city of El Paso, Texas, will host the El Paso Quadricentennial Festival. This festival is an international celebration, bringing together representatives from Spain, Mexico and other nations around the world to join in celebrating the 400th anniversary of the expedition of the Spanish explorer, Don Juan de Onate, through the Southwest. His exploration began in January of 1598, when he and 400 other men and women traveled from Mexico through the present day El Paso, Texas. After numerous hardships during their journey, the expedition arrived along the banks of the Rio Grande River in April of 1598. In gratitude for surviving their difficult travel and finding water along the Rio Grande, they observed a feast and celebrated with local Indians. This historical event is considered the first Thanksgiving, which occurred 22 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is important for our Nation to recognize this 400th anniversary. I am proud that El Paso is hosting this International Commemoration, as it enhances our country's understanding of the extensive influence of the Spanish language and culture on our heritage and origins of this Nation.”