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Every year, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month during which Americans celebrate the culture and traditions of Spanish-speaking residents, many of whom could trace their geographical roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America or the Caribbean.
Since America’s founding, Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character through centuries old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their respective communities.
Hispanic Heritage Month, the roots of which date back to 1968, begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence during this period.
The term “Hispanic” or “Latino” refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. As noted on the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic or
Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican-American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or “another Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin.”
According to this Census, 50.5 million people, or 16 percent of the population, are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million, or 13 percent of the total U.S. population.
We look forward to the 2013 Hispanic Heritage Month with a special degree of veneration, mirroring this year’s national theme, “Hispanics: Serving and Leading Our Nation with Pride and Honor,” through a series of events open to the public.
Hispanic Heritage Month Events
• Story Readings at Ramstein Library: from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3
• Free Spanish dance classes at the Ramstein Officers’ Club, Wing Lounge: from 5 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday from Thursday to Oct. 3
• HHM Expo at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center: from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5, with food tasting, art displays, music/dancing and information booths
• HHM 5K Fun Run: 9 a.m. Oct. 12. Prizes will be awarded for first place men and women; other prizes will be raffled
