HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2024-019-HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION ORANGE COUNTY BOARD - OF COMMISSION
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS , Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the culture ,
history , achievements , and contributions of Hispanic people , recognizing Latinos , Latinx ,
Hispanics , and Latin American people in the United States , was established by legislation
sponsored by Representative Edward Roybal of Los Angeles and was signed into law by
President Lyndon B . Johnson in 1968 ; and
WHEREAS , in 1988 , the commemorative week was expanded to a month — September 15 to
October 15 — by legislation sponsored by Representative Estaban Torres , amended by Senator
Paul Simon , and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan ; and
WHEREAS , September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it
is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores , early morning of 16 September 1810 , which marked the
start of the Mexican War of Independence and thus resulted in independence for the New Spain
Colony , now Mexico , Guatemala , Belize , el Salvador , Costa Rica , Honduras and Nicaragua in
1821 ; and
WHEREAS , throughout the year and especially during Hispanic Heritage Month , Americans
embrace , honor and celebrate the Hispanic community and its traditions and contributions ; and
WHEREAS , Orange County has a diverse population , and Hispanic and Latino residents
constitute a large and diverse ethnic group in Orange County ; and
WHEREAS , the Hispanic residents in Orange County are a diverse group with roots stretching
throughout North , Central , and South America , and many trace their heritage to the original
indigenous peoples of Latin America and Africa ; and
WHEREAS , the national theme of this year' s Hispanic Heritage Month , " Pioneers of Change :
Shaping the Future Together" , is intended to capture the spirit of leadership , perseverance ,
ingenuity and collaboration by Hispanic and Latino people in the United States and abroad ; and
WHEREAS , throughout the history of the United States , members of the Hispanic and Latino
community have helped shape the social , political , and economic landscape of this Country and
our community ;
NOW, THEREFORE , we , the Orange County Board of Commissioners , do hereby proclaim
September 15 through October 15 , 2024 , as Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County ,
affirming the 2024 theme of " Pioneers of Change : Shaping the Future Together" and call upon
all residents of Orange County to celebrate this month through activities and programs that
enlighten and inspire our understanding of the amazing heritage of our Hispanic families ,
neighbors and friends .
This the 1st day of October , 2024 .
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