EDVA Commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) honors and celebrates the countless achievements, cultural contributions, and rich history of the Hispanic American community during this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Hispanic Americans have enriched our Office, our communities, and our country through their strong bonds of family and friendship, tenacity, kindness, and invaluable contributions to all facets of our lives,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This year’s theme of resilience and hope comes at a critical time, as we continue to fight prejudice and collectively work to remove barriers to equality that have too often disproportionately impacted minority communities. EDVA expresses its deep gratitude to the many Hispanic Americans who have defended our Nation and to those who have dedicated their lives to upholding our Nation’s most sacred values. Hispanic Americans, through their courageous leadership, tireless efforts, and extensive civic contributions, consistently remind us of the importance of unity as we strive to achieve our cherished goal of ensuring that our system of justice is equal and fair to all.” 

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates the contributions of Hispanic American communities to the social fabric of our country by recognizing the exceptional impact that these diverse communities have on American society. The unique timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. For example, on September 15, 1812, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain. Mexico and Chile declared independence from Spain on September 16 and September 18, 1810 respectively. Belize also declared its independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981.

The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers announced that the theme of the 2021 celebration is: “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” We are all invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on the resilient nature of Hispanic Americans in the face of profound challenges and to look to the future with hope.

EDVA’s commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month will include an office-wide virtual panel discussion with the Honorable Mary H. Murguia, who began serving as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in 2011 and who became the first Latina to ever serve as a judge on the federal bench in Arizona in 2000; and the Honorable Adalberto J. Jordán, who became the first Cuban American to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in 2012.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.