WHEREAS, on September 17, 1968 on approval of Public Law 90-498 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the first Hispanic Heritage Week was observed: the event was later expanded under President Ronald Reagan to include the period from September 15 to October 15; and

WHEREAS, across the land, Hispanic Heritage Month is now recognized as an opportunity to unify the people of Spain, the Caribbean, North, Central, and South America in colorful and festive celebrations of heritage and history; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic-Americans have played an important role in the historical and cultural development of this nation, serving honorably in the armed forces, law enforcement and public service agencies, as well as contributing actively in the arts, science, business, education, government, agriculture, and sports; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month is also an opportunity to showcase the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to the Central Florida community, where they are a vital, vibrant, and dynamic asset, contributing with their talents, skills, and vitality to the economic growth of the region; and

WHEREAS, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee of Orange County, an employee-based volunteer organization, has planned, organized, and executed the activities of Hispanic Heritage Month for Orange County since 1999 and this year celebrates its 10th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, every year the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee of Orange County selects a Latin American country to showcase, and this year, the chosen country is Argentina; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to recognize the many valuable contributions of its Hispanic-American employees, and especially to commend the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee for its dedication and success throughout the years;

NOW THEREFORE, Richard T. Crotty, by virtue of the authority vested in him as Orange County Mayor, does hereby proclaim the month of October, 2009 as

EL MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA

in Orange County, Florida, and encourages all county residents to share in the social and cultural delights of this celebration joining the state of Florida's theme of "Florida: Embracing its Hispanic Roots While Looking to the Future."

EJECUTADO Y ORDENADO este 6er día del mes de octubre de 2009.