SR-178, As Adopted by Senate, September 15, 2010

            Senators Kahn, Garcia, Bishop, Cropsey, McManus, Stamas, Van Woerkom, Jelinek, Sanborn, Nofs, George, Birkholz, Barcia, Brown, Kuipers, Pappageorge, Richardville, Allen, Jansen and Hardiman offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 178.

            A resolution to recognize September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim Hispanic Heritage Week in September 1968. The week of September 15 was chosen due to the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18, with Mexico celebrating their bicentennial anniversary this year; and

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

            Whereas, Michigan is fortunate to count among its population a large concentration of citizens of Spanish and Latin American descent--including those who have lived in Michigan for generations and those who are new to the Great Lakes State--who contribute to Michigan's economy and society through their commitment to professions, commerce, family, and the arts; and

            Whereas, Time and again throughout our nation's history, Hispanic Americans have helped establish America as a place of freedom and opportunity, and their contributions have illustrated what is best about our great nation.  Their hard work, love, and deep commitment to faith and family have shaped the character of our country and helped preserve the values that we all cherish; and

            Whereas, During the month spanning from September 15 through October 15, Michigan's Hispanic-American community will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as a fantastic opportunity for people across the state of Michigan to note the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic Americans; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the month of September 15, 2010, through October 15, 2010, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to acknowledge and applaud the many contributions made by these individuals to enhance the quality of life in this state.