Los Alamos County Council proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 “National Hispanic Heritage Month” in Los Alamos County during its work session Tuesday.

Councilor Suzie Havemann read the proclamation:

WHEREAS, during National Hispanic Month, Los Alamos County recognizes that Hispanic heritage is American heritage; and

WHEREAS, Los Alamos County joins the rest of the nation in honoring and celebrating the histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South Americas; and

WHEREAS, the observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Regan in 1988, to cover the period at which it is celebrated today (September 15- October 15); and

WHEREAS, our Hispanic community is deeply rooted in New Mexico for more than 480 years, and is part of the DNA of American culture with undeniable influence in education, art, science, healthcare, technology, business, activism, agriculture, public safety, infrastructure, economic development and governance; and

WHEREAS, we are proud of our Hispanic community of residents, elected and public officials, and employees, and when we embrace diversity and celebrate multicultural heritages, we are stronger, and a better county, neighbor, state and nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim the month of September 15^th through October 15^th, as “NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH”

In Los Alamos County and encourage all citizens to experience Hispanic culture by partaking in one or more of the celebrations in Los Alamos and throughout New Mexico.