WTOP celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month this Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with stories spotlighting the contributions, culture and accomplishments of Hispanic communities across the D.C. region.

When the Montgomery County Council held its Hispanic Heritage Month ceremony Tuesday, Council member Gabe Albornoz gave his colleagues a heads up — it would be emotional for him.

Albornoz, the son of immigrants, held up a copy of the program for his mother’s 1971 naturalization ceremony.

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After taking a deep breath, he began

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