September 15 through October 15 marks the 48th
annual national celebration of Hispanic heritage in the United States.
Originally a week-long commemoration of the contributions of persons of
Hispanic origin, the celebration was extended to a full month in 1988 by
President Ronald Reagan in order to, “celebrate the histories, cultures and
contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the
Caribbean and Central and South America.” The observance coincides with
independence days in seven Latin American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile.
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| President Ronald Reagan signs legislation establishing Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988 |
Over the course of the coming month, Americans of all
national origins will celebrate Hispanic history and culture, and its influence
on our entire nation. The National Park Service will be conducting its American Latino Heritage Initiative,
aimed at better documenting and preserving historic sites associated with
American Latino history. The Library of
Congress is highlighting its Hispanic Americans
– Service to the Nation project, which salutes the bravery of
Hispanic-Americans who fought for our country in wartime.
Closer to home, Illinois is honoring our state’s growing
Hispanic population this month, recognizing Latino trailblazers
and culminating with a special “Saluting
Latino Inventors, Scientists and Innovators” exhibit at the James R.
Thompson Center in Chicago October 7-11.
Check back with the Caucus Blog throughout the month for
more updates on the celebration of Hispanic Heritage in Illinois.