AMERICA'S CHARTERS OF FREEDOM in English and Spanish: Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Gettysburg Address. Second Edition. Translated by Carlos B. Vega, Ph.D. and Carlos L. Vega, Ph.D. Paperback, 2nd Ed., (2012), Illus., 120 pp.

This is the second edition of The U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution in English and Spanish, a monumental work published as a tribute to the United States from the Hispanic community on Independence Day, 1986. Nationally acclaimed as "the finest Spanish translation" of the historical documents by many individuals and institutions, including the U.S. Department of Education and the League of Women Voters, with numerous accolades from President Ronald Reagan, former U.S. Chief Justice Warren Burger, U.S. Congress, National Archives, and the Library of Congress, among others. Special features of the book are the handwritten signatures of over 3,500 Hispanics from across the country, as well as many testimonials from leading public officials and organizations. Upon publication, T.H. Bell, former U.S. Secretary of Education, commented: "...His (Dr. Vega's) initiative is a novel venture which replicates with such accuracy and authenticity the spirit of the original documents." The book was distributed nationally free of charge to leading schools, libraries and organizations, and is presently exhibited at many institutions, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, and the Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

The second expanded edition also contains the full texts of the Bill of Rights and the Gettysburg Address, marking the first time ever that a bilingual edition has been published containing all four documents. The texts were translated by Carlos B. Vega, Ph.D, and Carlos L. Vega, Ph.D, both college professors and well-established authors. This edition won First Place at the prestigious International Latino Book Awards in the Best Non-fiction Book Translation, English to Spanish category, held in New York City on May 30, 2013.

The book can be very useful as a complementary reading text in Spanish language courses, bilingual courses, English courses for Spanish-speakers, and of course in translation courses.

REVIEWS AND COMMENTS ON FIRST EDITION

"Your edition of three of America's greatest documents is a most meaningful addition to my library and will serve as a reminder of your friendship and goodwill."

- President Ronald Reagan

"Prof. Vega is an able, dedicated, and zealous patriot, with a deep concern that Spanish-speaking people would understand and appreciate the esteemed writings of our founding fathers."

- Senator Gerald Cardinale

"Prof. Vega, a Bergen County resident, has distinguished himself as an individual interested in the promotion of better understanding and relations between Hispanics and the community at large. His translation, edition, and publication work throughout the years has assisted his goal of unity. As Governor, I take great pride in commending his work.

- Jim Florio, Governor of New Jersey

"Prof. Vega deserves to be commended for this fine contribution to the body of bilingual literature. His work will provide the non- English proficient Hispanics an opportunity to read these important documents and perhaps to appreciate the foundations of our country and our democratic society. His initiative is a novel venture which replicates with such accuracy and authenticity the spirit of the original documents."

- T.H. Bell, U.S. Secretary of Education

"I don't know of what political persuasion Mr. Carlos B. Vega (Nuestro, Dec. 1981) is, but it seems to me that the Reagan Administration should take note of all the good he is doing in the field of bilingual education. He has developed the "Tele-Guía," a phonetic, bilingual communication system to be used during emergencies; a bilingual pocket guide for policemen; a book of basic hospital vocabulary to be used by Hispanic patients, an English-Spanish legal dictionary, and a basic vocabulary book in the areas of banking, insurance, and taxes to boot.

"This is more than the U.S. Department of Education has done in years. I think Mr. Vega deserves commendation of some sort for doing the job of paper-pushing bureaucrats in Washington. Maybe it is just inherent that there is more creative thought outside of the shadow of the great capitol dome."

- Gabriela Calderon, Teacher, New York City Public Schools

"These translated documents, which have served to form and preserve our "great experiment," will be invaluable resources to the millions of Spanish-speaking residents of our nation.

Dr. Vega is to be commended for his role in this most worthy effort."

- Ruth J. Winerfeld, Chair, League of Women Voters

Book #: J-V1283
ISBN: 9781596412835