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Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), introduced a bipartisan resolution to support the goals and ideals of a Salvadoran-American Day (El Día del Salvadoreño) in recognition of all Salvadoran Americans for their hard work, dedication and contribution to the stability and well-being of the United States. More than 40 of her colleagues, including Congressman John Shadegg (AZ-3.), joined Solis in introducing the bill.
“Our nation was built by people from many nations and cultures whose lives and work have contributed to the greatness of our nation,” said Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis. “We must recognize the efforts of Salvadoran Americans for their cultural and economic contributions to the United States.”
Forty years of internal political turmoil forced hundreds of thousands of individuals from the Republic of El Salvador to flee the country and seek peace and security in the United States. Currently, there are more than 900,000 Salvadoran Americans living in the United States with the majority of them living in California, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area and New York. In the Los Angeles metropolitan area alone there are nearly 400,000 Salvadoran Americans.
In California, the state with the largest population of Salvadoran Americans, El Dia del Salvadoreño is widely celebrated among the Latino community. This celebration of Salvadoran traditions dates back to 1525, when in August 6 the city of Villa De San Salvador was founded. August also marks the month when Salvadorans around the United States celebrate “Fiestas Agostinas” (August Holidays.) This celebration pays homage to the cultural festivities of El Salvador while adapting itself to the lives of Salvadorans in the United States. Celebrated by Salvadoran Americans in California and throughout our country, Salvadoran-American Day has grown in significance over the years.
Solis is the only Member of Congress of Central American descent her mother is from Nicaragua and her father is from Mexico. |
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