2012 National Hispanic American Heritage Month

By U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Public AffairsSeptember 13, 2012

2012 National Hispanic American Heritage Month
Peter Hemmer, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute illustrator describes this year's Hispanic American Heritage Month observance poster.

"The inspiration for this year's Hispanic American Heritage Month poster came from Ms. Dawn Smith wh... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Related Links:

Army.mil Hispanic Americans in the U.S. Army