Speech #930131046

This day is also referred to in Latin American countries. and among the Spanishspeaking people of the United States. as El Dia de la Raza. which might be roughly translated as "The Day of Our Race." Beyond the outward manifestations given in parades and feasting lies the greater significance of the feeling of brotherhood and the joy of sharing a common origin. Although many races came together to form what we now know as the Spanishspeaking people. we are constantly reminded that it was the Spanish language. in particular. that brought a certain cohesiveness that bound these groups together in a community spirit. Today. with the large Latin community which has sprung up in this country due to periods of heavy immigration from various Latin American countries. the language still causes the Spanish speaking to maintain close ties with the mother country. It is unfortunate that this occasion. which is a joyful one in so many ways. also causes us to reflect upon the statistics which indicate that the Spanish speaking in the United States still have a long way to go in achieving equality with the average American. While most of us came here expecting a land of great opportunity. many of us have never enjoyed the tremendous resources which set this country apart as a center of power and leadership unparalleled in history.