Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15th to October 15th, 2019
This time every year is dedicated to acknowledging the Hispanic heritage contributions that have helped to make America the wonderful melting pot that it is. Hispanic and Latino Americans have had a profound positive effect on their communities and because of this our country.
This influence comes through character, the practice of traditions, faith, dedication to family, and hard work and service in their chosen fields. They have helped to shape our national character with traditions that reflect the multicultural customs of their community.
The roots of this month-long tradition of recognition known as Hispanic Heritage Month began back in1968. Each year the celebration begins on the anniversary of the independence of the Latin American Countries: Chile, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
The term Hispanic or Latino refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin. Today, 57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are Hispanic or Latino. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.