September 12th, 2012 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2012
By Richard Rivera
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. In 1988, the United States adopted the official month-long observance period that celebrates the rich history and cultural diversity of our nation’s Hispanic American population.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. All five countries achieved independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico achieved independence on September 16, 1810 and Chile on September 18, 1810. El Dia de la Raza (Day of the Race), celebrated on October 12, commemorates the first immigration of Hispanics to the Americas.
This year’s theme, Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today, encourages us to learn more about the extraordinary lives of Hispanic men and women. Hispanics serve as leaders in all professions throughout our communities. |
