Each year the Board of Education recognizes the countless contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to this nation and proclaims September 15th – October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month.    

 

The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson.  It was appropriate to begin celebrations on September 15th as it is also the anniversary of the independence of five Central American nations (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua).  In addition, Mexico commemorates its independence on September 16th, and Chile commemorates its independence on September 18th.  

 

In 1988, Congress established that these celebrations would be stretched to a full month.  The following year, President George H. W. Bush was the first authorized to issue a Proclamation from September 15th to October 15th.  Today, the nation honors the influences, contributions, and rich ethnic heritage of Hispanics and Latinos during this month.