Hispanic Americans Honored in Washington Ceremony

“U.S. citizens of Hispanic background are the fastest-growing population group in the United States, contributing to the country’s traditional diversity and enriching its political, cultural and community life, according to U.S. politicians and experts.

By using their talents, creativity and hard work, “Hispanic Americans are living the dream that has drawn millions to our shores,” President Bush said October 10 during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.

Marking the annual White House celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), Bush said Hispanic Americans “strengthen our nation with their commitments to familia y fe [family and faith].”

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that in 2006 the Hispanic population of the United States exceeded 44 million, or 15 percent of the total U.S. population. The bureau estimates that by mid-2050, Hispanic Americans may make up 24 percent of all Americans.

In the United States, Hispanic heritage has been celebrated on a national scale since 1968, when Public Law 90-498 authorized the president to proclaim the week of September 15 and 16 Hispanic Heritage Week. The dates coincide with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua’s Independence Day on September 15 and Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16. (See related article).

In his White House remarks, President Bush paid tribute to Hispanic-American police officers, firefighters and emergency rescue personnel and to the 200,000 Hispanic Americans who serve in the U.S. armed forces. “I appreciate the fact that they have volunteered in a time of danger,” Bush said.

Greeting his guests in Spanish, he also honored Hispanic Americans who “give their time to improve the lives of people that live across the street from them” and “make ours a better and more compassionate nation.”

The White House ceremony featured a performance by a legendary Cuban musician, 89-year-old Israel “Cachao” Lopez, who first performed in the White House for President Harry Truman in 1948.

Born in 1918 in Havana, “Cachao” is considered by many the inventor of mambo, which he helped popularize in the United States in the early 1950s. He has won several Grammy Awards for both his original work and his contributions on albums by other Latin music stars.

Read more about American Hispanic contributions to U.S. politics, literature and sports.

For more information, see Hispanic Americans.

The full text of President Bush’s remarks can be found on the White House Web site.”*

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