At Monday night’s city council meeting a resolution on Hispanic Heritage Month was read by mayor pro tem Lin Perry. Councilwoman Esmeralda Ruelas-Olivares was unable to be at the meeting, so her husband Jose Olivares, and two sons Matteo and Luke represented her for the occasion.
Luke read his mother’s remarks in her absence and The Reporter presents them here for all to read: “Ladies and Gentlemen, “I stand here as the first Latina councilwoman in our city’s history, not as a symbol of diversity alone, but as a testament to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of our Hispanic community.
“Today, we gather here to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time that honors the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories from Spain, Mexico, the Ca r ibbean, and Central and South America. We celebrate t he countless Hispanic- Americans who have left indelible marks on our nation’s history and have become pillars of our community. We honor those who have come before us, and we pave the way for those who will follow.
“As a nurse, I am unable to join you in person today because I am serving our communit y in another equally important way. In the midst of the current health crisis, my duty calls me to lend my hands, my heart, and my knowledge to help those in need. It is a role that many Hispanics in our community embrace, as we are caregivers, educators, advocates, and leaders.
“Hi spanic Her it age Month is more than just a celebration of our past; it is a celebration of our present and our future. It is a time to highlight the contributions we have made and will continue to make in this great nation. Our community is one of dreamers and doers, and our determination and spirit are evident in every field, from science, to politics, to arts, and beyond.
“As we celebrate this month, let us remember that our heritage is our strength. Our culture, our traditions, our language, these are not just parts of our past, but they are the foundation of our future. We must teach our children to be proud of their heritage, to understand its history, and to carry its legacy forward.
“Let us also remember that the spirit of this month should not be confined to these 30 days alone. Every day, every moment is an opportunity to celebrate our roots, our accomplishments, and our potential.
“As your councilwoman, I promise to continue advocating for our community, to ensure that our voices are heard, that our needs are met, and that our contributions are recognized. Let’s celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month today, and every day, by living our heritage, by sharing our stories, and by continuing to contribute to the rich fabric of our city and our nation.”
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.