Governor Corbett Proclaims Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage month in Pennsylvania.

"I commend the many social and economic contributions of Latino-Hispanics in our state and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Pennsylvania's fasting growing minority group," Corbett said, noting that the state's nearly 800,000 Latino residents represent approximately 6.8 percent of the overall population.

"Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful traditions of dance, music, cuisine and philosophy that are uniquely Latino-Hispanic," said Maria Montero , executive director of Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA). "What makes the community so unique is the amalgamation of European, African and indigent peoples into a beautiful tapestry of culture."

GACLA will join with 20 other state agencies to host several events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. On Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a "Fiesta en La Plaza" block party will be held in Soldiers Grove behind the Capitol. The event will be open to state employees and the general public.

Media contact: Maria Montero , 717-787-5825

Editor's Note: The text of the governor's proclamation follows:

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2012

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania embraces the 2012 National Hispanic Heritage Month theme "Diversity United, Building America's Future Today"; and

WHEREAS, the Latino-Hispanic American community's values - deep and abiding faith, love for family and strong work ethic - are America's values, and the contributions from this community have helped make our county great; and

WHEREAS, Latino-Hispanics bring together the rich traditions of communities with centuries-old roots in America. Their diverse and vibrant culture includes elements originating in Spain, North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean; and

WHEREAS, Latino-Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the country, the fastest growing minority community in the Commonwealth and make valuable contributions to the Commonwealth through business and industry, government, education, the sciences, arts and faith; and

WHEREAS, Latino-Hispanics have served with honor and distinction in many conflicts since the Revolutionary War and have made enormous contributions to our diverse society by sharing their talents, attributes and deep connection to their family values, culture and tradition.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Corbett , Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 15 – October 15, 2012 as HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH in Pennsylvania. I join with all Americans in celebrating the many achievements of Latino-Hispanic Americans and recognizing their contributions to our nation.

TOM CORBETT , Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs