1. Hispanic Heritage Month 2012

2. Hispanic Heritage Month Each year, Americans observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanics to our local community, our nation, and the world.

3. Hispanic Heritage Month History In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first in proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. In part, it stated: Wishing to pay special tribute to the Hispanic tradition, and having in mind the fact that our five Central American neighbors celebrate their Independence Day on the fifteenth of September and the Republic of Mexico on the sixteenth, the Congress by House Joint Resolution 1299, has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the week including September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week.

4. Hispanic Heritage Month History The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.