Q
ueridos amigos,
My dear friends, buenas tardes,
It is my great pleasure to receive you all at the Embassy of Spain, which I ask you to consider the home of the Hispanic community of the United States.
Thank you very much all for being here. Welcome!
Sean Ustedes muy bienvenidos a esta casa de España. A la casa de todos Ustedes.
I am deeply pleased to share these moments with prominent representatives of this community. We have friends here who are politicians, civil rights activists, businessmen, artists, journalists, scholars and professionals from different fields of activities.
You are here for your leadership and for your true friendship to Spain.
You are citizens of a great country that I know well. I studied here several years ago at Georgetown University. However, each time I come back it looks new to me. The United States is a nation where you can feel permanent change and innovation. This country is capable of remarkable exploits, since it is composed of extraordinary people.
In this month, we honour one of the most vibrant communities in this country, whose influence is increasing day by day.
Today we are celebrating the Hispanic Heritage of the United States of America.
Hispanic heritage has been here for centuries. You are an integral part of this Nation. Your roots, language, history, tradition and cultural heritage are part of its soul.
We admire your work and creativity in all fields of endeavour. We know of your hard work, which contributes significantly to the greatness of this nation.
Please, allow me to feel part of your community and consider its heritage as mine too.
I want you to know that the Spanish people also look at you with pride and admiration. We are proud to be Hispanics.
That?s why I am convinced that our relation is full of challenges and opportunities that we must explore together.
I?d like then to raise my glass and propose a toast to the relationship between Spain and the United States, to the Hispanic community, to our common heritage and to all of you and your families.
Muchas gracias.