WHEREAS, beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1989 by George H.W. Bush on September 14; and
WHEREAS, the term Hispanic or Latino (or the more recent term Latinx) refers to a person’s culture or origin—regardless of race; and
WHEREAS, the timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five “Central American neighbors,” as President Lyndon B. Johnson called them—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821; and
WHEREAS, “not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated, however, Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities,” Bush stated and since the beginning, our country has drawn strength and insights from Hispanic writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government; and
WHEREAS, we continue to acknowledge the Hispanic leaders who have stayed in the struggle for equal justice to ensure that everyone in this nation can contribute their talents and have the opportunity to thrive. The culture has been enriched by the rhythms, arts, literature, and creativity of Hispanic people; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Park Forest salutes its Hispanic residents who have long served in vital roles on school boards, service clubs and community organizations. At the local government level, Hispanic contributions have been longstanding, and historic, in a multitude of Department roles and in many billets amongst the volunteer Boards and Commissions serving the Village of Park Forest’s mission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Park Forest, Cook and Will Counties, Illinois, that September 15 through October 15, 2024, be celebrated as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED THAT residents consider participating in the upcoming Taco Tuesday, on Tuesday, September 17, starting at Noon until exhausted as coordinated by the Park Forest Commission on Human Relations and Community Relations Manager in the lobby of Village Hall.
PROCLAIMED this 16th day of September, 2024.