title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERTIAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, in September of 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed Public Law bill 90-498 into law, authorizing the President to designate the week of September 15th as “National Hispanic Heritage Week” in recognition of the extraordinary contributions Hispanics and Latino Americans had made. September 15th was designated as the starting date of this week, as this was the anniversary of some of the first Latin American countries to declare their independence. This bill was later amended by President Reagan to proclaim September 15th through October 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the everlasting and significant presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans, beginning with the substantial discovery of America by Spaniard Christopher Columbus in 1492. Hispanic and Latino Americans have played vital roles in several symbolic and historical events; and
WHEREAS, From Cuban sympathizers assisting George Washington in the battle of Yorktown, the quarter-million Hispanics who served in World War II, to the U.S. vessel navigated by the first Hispanic, Four-Star Admiral, Horacio Rivero (Puerto Rico) during the ‘Cuban Missile Crisis; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino Americans of every generation have made immense contributions to the arts, education, mathematics, science, literature, technology and philanthropy in this country and the world. Every generation of Hispanic & Latino Americans have also contributed to the defense of freedom at the home through courageous service in the Unites State military but also to the advancement of freedom abroad;
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino influence can be felt everywhere from the exquisite dishes, the dynamic music, to the names of some of our states, cities and streets. Not only have Hispanic and Latino Americans made cultural contributions but this is the month in which we can acknowledge the many Hispanic and Latino Americans who devoted their lives to partake in shaping the very framework of this nation in our sports, clothing, art, architecture, technology, television programming and politics; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and board of the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby continue to celebrate September 15th through October 15th as NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN COOK COUNTY, and encourage all Cook County residents to partake in the many celebrations, festivities and activities in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.
end