Hispanic Heritage Month is the period to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 31-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 on the approval of Public Lof [[independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively." But there are still many famous hispanic people today. Take George Lopez for a great example. Public Law 100-402 authorizes and requests the President to issue an annual proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, as "Hispanic Heritage Month."

October 12, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, also falls within this 30 day period.

Themes

• 2001: Paving the Way for Future Generations
• 2002: Strength in Unity, Faith and Diversity
• 2003: Ascending to New Heights and farming
• 2004: Making a Difference in Our Communities and Nation
• 2005: Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric
• 2006: Honoring Our Past, Surpassing Our Present and Leading Our Future
• 2007: Hispanic Americans: Making a Positive Impact on American Society
• 2008: Honoring The Hispanic Way of Life

References

External links

• {{cite web |url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/feature/hispanic/index.htm

|title=Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2006 |publisher=National Register of Historic Places |accessdate=2006-10-

• The Contribution of Spanish and Hispanic Americans to the American Revolutionary War