WHEREAS, On August 6, 1525, the official founding of Villa de San Salvador was declared in the Valle de Las Hamacas (Valley of the Hammocks) where the indigenous ancestors of El Salvador fought historic battles against the submission and abuse of Spanish colonialism in order to preserve the life and liberty of the Cuscatleco population; and

WHEREAS, On September 15, 1821, El Salvador achieved independence from Spain and ended centuries of Spanish colonialization; and

WHEREAS, In the 20th century, 40 years of internal political turmoil forced hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans to flee El Salvador, seeking peace and security in a new country, the United States; and

WHEREAS, Now Salvadoran Americans constitute one of the largest Latino communities in California, totaling over one million throughout the state and 6 percent of all immigrants nationwide; and

WHEREAS, The history of our nation and California is a rich and enduring tapestry woven with the threads of many remarkable lives, cultures, and events, and the lives, work, and artistry of Salvadoran Americans has added strength, vitality, and purpose to that tapestry; and

WHEREAS, The maturing Salvadoran American community continues to make great economic and cultural contributions to daily life in this state; and

WHEREAS, Many of these admirable individuals actively participate in the state educational system, further promoting their sense of American pride within the California community; and

WHEREAS, The strengths of the Salvadoran American culture can be preserved and passed on to future generations; and

WHEREAS, Salvadoran American families, communities, and the generations that follow are committed to maintain both Salvadoran and American cultures, while promoting cultural interchange; and

WHEREAS, September 2015 marks 194 years of independence for the country of El Salvador; and

WHEREAS, Free of prejudices and as proud men and women, Salvadoran Americans participate in and contribute to the integration of the social, educational, professional, and political arena in California; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby declares September 6, 2015, as Salvadoran American Day and recognizes the rich heritage of Salvadoran Americans throughout California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

ACR 99: Salvadoran American Day.

Senate Floor

Assembly Floor

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