Silver Spring Civic Building Veterans Plaza; 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring
As prepared
Hello and welcome to the Montgomery County Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month Celebration! Thank you for join us today on this celebration!
I want to acknowledge our County Council members, from Senator’s Cardin office- Ken Reichard, from Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s office, Lillie Cruz; and from Congressman John Delaney’s office, Jeffrey Samuels.
I also want to welcome to Silver Spring the Ambassador of El Salvador, Claudia Canjura. Welcome!
As we know, our nation celebrates and highlights the wonderful and richly-diverse Latino Heritage and culture from September 15 to October 15.
As we celebrate it is also important for us remember some interesting facts- Spanish language is the number-two most spoken language in the United States and in Montgomery County!
And, did you know that the U.S. is now also the Second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world after Mexico?!
We have a lot to celebrate! Here in Montgomery County - the Latino population represents more than 18% of our County population! That is more than 180,000 residents in the County!
It is important that we highlight the wonderful contributions of Latinos in our country, but also here in our community!
We know that our diversity is our strength. It is what makes Montgomery County a unique place and the reason why we call it home!
We are one of the most Welcoming communities in the nation!
It is important that we remain a welcoming community. At a time when we are experiencing a global migration challenge and we continue to welcome to our community the children fleeing violence from Central America and make sure that they feel welcome and safe in their new home.
We also invite you to celebrate with us our 8th Annual World of Montgomery Festival on Sunday, October 16 at Montgomery College, Rockville from 12-4pm.
We have a special and strong connection to the Latino community; and I am honored to be here to help celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in our nation and our County.
I want to introduce a great leader in County Council, the Latino community, and the community as a whole, Councilmember Nancy Navarro.
Now, I want to introduce Ambassador Claudia Canjura, Ambassador from El Salvador.
Enjoy this great event and the many others happening around the area. Thank you for attending and supporting this great community event!
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Release ID: 16-044