National Hispanic Heritage Month

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, MacDill AFB will observe and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when the contribution of Hispanic Americans who have served and are serving now are recognized. The observance started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson's administration as a one-week celebration called Hispanic Heritage Week. Years later, President Ronald Reagan proposed extending this celebration into a month-long event. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, officially designating the 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Securing the Future!” Hispanics and Hispanic-Americans make contributions in many fields that enable the greatness of America. Their contributions to the defense of this nation, the arts, sports, public service, research and development, non-profit organization management, civil rights, politics, business, agriculture, and the service industry enable America to maintain its competitiveness, relevance, and position in the global landscape as the leader of the free world. (Graphic by Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute)