group in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Based on population estimates by the United States
Census Bureau for 2018, approximately 975,000 Hispanics reside
in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans make valuable contributions to
this Commonwealth through business and industry, politics,
education, science and the arts; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans share deep family values,
recognize their obligations to individuals who are less
fortunate and cherish freedom and what it means to be an
American; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic-owned businesses are currently growing at
three times the rate of the national average; and
WHEREAS, Throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have
shown their devotion to our nation through military service; and
WHEREAS, Americans of Hispanic descent have fought in every
war since our founding and have taken their rightful place as
heroes in our nation's history; and
WHEREAS, Today, Hispanic Americans are serving in our armed
forces with courage and honor, making our nation more secure and
bringing freedom to people around the world; and
WHEREAS, "National Hispanic Heritage Month" originated in
1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson first proclaimed "National
Hispanic Heritage Week"; and
WHEREAS, President Ronald Reagan established the monthlong
nationwide observance on September 15, 1988; and
WHEREAS, September 15 marks the anniversary of independence
for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; and
WHEREAS, September 16 and 18 are the celebrated independence
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