house resolution no.315

Reps. Guerra, Camilleri, Sneller, Garza and Hammoud offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare September 22, 2020, as Hispanic Heritage Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, There has been a long and important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in North America and the United States of America; and

Whereas, The month of September 15 to October 15 is nationally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month due to independence anniversaries for Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua; and

Whereas, Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America; and

Whereas, Each year, the United States recognizes the economic, cultural, and social contributions that Spanish-speaking peoples have brought to our nation, including the gifts of law, religion, agriculture, art, music, education, technology, architecture, cuisine, theater, and exploration; and

 Whereas, Time and again throughout our nation's history, Hispanic-Americans have faithfully defended the principles of freedom and a representative government; and

 Whereas, Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15, and enacted into law on August 17, 1988, as Public Law 100-402; and

 Whereas, This state is fortunate to count among its population a large concentration of citizens of Spanish and Latin American descent, including those who have lived in this state for generations and those who are new to this state, who contribute to our economy and society through their commitment to professions, commerce, family, and the arts; and

 Whereas, During the month from September 15 to October 15, this state's Hispanic-American community celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through a series of special programs featuring Hispanic history, food, dance, and art; and

 Whereas, National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period of time in the United States when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate these people's varied heritage, background, and culture; now, therefore, be it

 Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 22, 2020, as Hispanic Heritage Day in the state of Michigan. We recognize and celebrate the contributions, service, and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.