Email   Print   Share By Rex Thomas, EEO Officer

Facebook Digg Delicious September 13, 2012 | Editorial

Each year, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This year’s theme is “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories … One American Spirit”.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald

Reagan in 1988 to the 30-day period it

covers today. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

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.

Hispanic Heritage Month also celebrates the long and important presence of Hispanic Americans in North America, starting with the discovery of America by Spanish conquistadors led by Christopher Columbus Oct. 12, 1492.

Many Hispanic Americans trace their roots to the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas – including the Arawaks (Puerto Rico), the Aztecs (Mexico), the Incas (South America), the Maya (Central America) and the Tainos (Cuba, Puerto Rico and other places). Some trace their roots to the Spanish explorers – who in the 1400s set out to find an easier and less costly way to trade with the Indies. Other Latinos trace their roots to the Africans who were brought as slaves to the New World. For purposes of the U.S. Census, Hispanic Americans today are identified according to the parts of the world that they or their ancestors came from, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain or the nations of Central and South America.

“Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of their community. They are doctors and lawyers, activists and educators,

entrepreneurs and public servants, and brave service members who defend our way of life at home and abroad,” President Barack Obama noted in this year’s proclamation.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these individuals have made to our Nation from its inception to present day. The remarkable diversity of the American people, Hispanics represent a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds and like many Americans, Hispanics have overcome obstacles to persevere and

flourish in every sector of our society.

Some notable Hispanic Americans include: Sonia Maria Sotomayor, who became the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice; Ellen Ochoa, first left Earth in July 1991 and became the world’s first Hispanic female astronaut; and Nancy Marie Lopez, a professional golfer who won 48 LPGA Tour events during her career, including three major championships.

Throughout the history of the United States, people have come from various parts of the globe and have contributed to build this nation where we live today. Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity not only to feel proud of our roots, but also to educate those who are not Hispanic about the richness and diversity of the various Latin American cultures.

“The future of America is inextricably linked to the future of our Hispanic community. Our country thrives on the diversity and ingenuity of all our people, and our ability to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world will depend greatly on the success of Hispanics,” the president wrote. “This month, as we honor their struggles and successes, let us recommit to ensuring our Nation remains a place big enough and bold enough to accommodate the dreams and prosperity of all our people.”

Fort Hood celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a special observance at 1:30 p.m., Sept. 21 at the Howze Auditorim. The public is invited to attend.