Lt. Governor Quinn celebrates Hispanic Heritage Day!

CHICAGO - September 29, 2008. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn joined with local, state and international officials to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Day at the James R. Thompson Center. 

"The Hispanic community in Illinois plays an important role in providing our residents with the opportunity to experience a diversity of cultures," Quinn said.  "As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Day, we salute the Hispanic-American and Ibero-American communities for the strides they have made in our state."

President Lyndon B. Johnson began Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 to recognize the contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the United States.  In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning September 15 and ending on October 15 of each year.

Quinn was joined by the Consuls General of several countries including: Argentina; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; Spain; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Mexico; Peru; Portugal; Dominican Republic; Uruguay; and Venezuela.

There was a special musical performance by Fusion Salcedo, a group that plays music from all over Latin America and Spain.

An exhibit focusing on all of the Ibero-American cultures is on display in the main lobby of the Thompson Center from September 29, through October 3.

Quinn was also joined by State Sen. Martin A. Sandoval (D-Cicero); State Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago); Alderman George Cardenas (12th Ward); Alderman Ariel Reboyras (30th Ward); Cook County Commissioner Joseph Moreno (7th District); Cook County Commissioner for the Board of Review Joe Berrios; and Radio Host Javier Salas (Univision Radio).

For more information on Lt. Governor Quinn's "Illinois to the World" initiatives, please visit StandingUpForIllinois.org.