HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month in Pennsylvania to commend the many contributions of Latino-Hispanics in the commonwealth.

"I am happy to join the Latino-Hispanic community of Pennsylvania in celebrating their contributions, successes and vitality brought to our commonwealth," Corbett said. "I thank you for choosing Pennsylvania to be your home and thank you for your leadership and hard work in making Pennsylvania stronger."

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich and diverse culture of the state's fastest growing minority group, which represents approximately 9 percent or just over 810,000 of Pennsylvania's population. Since 1990, the Latino-Hispanic community has grown 268 percent in Pennsylvania.

"Hispanic Heritage Month in Pennsylvania is an exciting time of year for our Latino-Hispanic community because we, as a cultural family, are commemorating our independence that our ancestors fought so valiantly for throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America," Maria Montero, executive director of Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA) said. "We bring those roots of independence, hard work and family to Pennsylvania to grow a vibrant community."

GACLA is co-hosting several events in the commonwealth to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month including:

• Sept. 15 - Mexican Independence Festivities at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, sponsored by the Consulate of Mexico and Mexican Cultural Center;
• Sept. 28 - Latino-Hispanic Cultural Talent Event at the Forum, Harrisburg;
• Oct. 3 - Empowering Latin@s Business Forum with Lt. Governor Jim Cawley at Reading Area Community College, Reading;
• Oct. 10 - "Fiesta en La Plaza" block party at Soldiers Grove, behind the Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg;
• Oct. 18 - "High Academic Expectations with High Equitable Support for Latino Students" educational summit at PaTTAN, Harrisburg;
• Oct. 18 - Hispanic Heritage Month at the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Black Tie Gala, Pittsburgh.

"GACLA commissioners, along with local, state, and federal partnerships have been amazing in helping to bring enriching events to strengthen our community. I am thankful for their help and the governor's support in bringing a fantastic Hispanic Heritage Month to Pennsylvania," Montero said.

Visit www.pa.gov/gacla to learn more about the events across Pennsylvania celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Media contact: Maria Montero, 717-787-5825

Editor's Note:  The text of the governor's proclamation follows:                                                        

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH September 15- October 15, 2013

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania embraces the 2013 National Hispanic Heritage Month theme "Hispanics: Serving and Leading Our Nation with Pride and Honor;" and

WHEREAS, the Latino-Hispanic American community's values - deep and abiding faith, love for family and strong work ethic - are America's values, and the contributions from this community have helped make our county great; and

WHEREAS, Latino-Hispanics bring together the rich traditions of communities with centuries-old roots in America. Their diverse and vibrant culture includes elements originating in Spain, North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean; and

WHEREAS, Latino-Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the country, the fastest growing minority community in the Commonwealth and make valuable contributions to the Commonwealth through business and industry, government, education, the sciences, arts and faith; and

WHEREAS, Latino-Hispanics have served with honor and distinction in many conflicts since the Revolutionary War and have made enormous contributions to our diverse society by sharing their talents, attributes and deep connection to their family values, culture and tradition.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 15 – October 15, 2013 as HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH in Pennsylvania. I join with all Americans in celebrating the many achievements of Latino-Hispanic Americans and recognizing their contributions to our nation.

TOM CORBETT

Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs

RELATED LINKShttp://www.pa.gov/gacla