The United States of America is known throughout the world for being a huge cultural melting pot, the place where people from all over the world live inside one set of borders, influencing each other and the country as a whole with the cultural values they bring from their homeland. Hispanic culture’s influence on the country’s culture as a whole is unmistakable, as who can actually say that they do not know what a taco is, or what salsa dancing is, or that they know absolutely know Spanish phrases? Beginning on September 15th, National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for Hispanic people living in the U.S. to be proud of their roots and the extent to which they are an integral part of the country as a whole. It is also a time for non-Hispanics to appreciate the contributions that Hispanic people and culture have made to the country. Over 35 million people that live in the United States classify themselves as Hispanic, a number that continues to grow each day.

National Hispanic Heritage Month was first observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. The observance was later expanded significantly by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover its current 30-day period, starting from September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 by the approval of Public Law 100-402. September 15 was chosen as the starting date because of the fact that five Latin American countries celebrate the anniversary of their independence on that same day. These countries include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, who all declared independence in 1821. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18th, respectively, so the second half of September is, indeed, of much significance to many Hispanic Americans. Also falling during this 30-day period is Dia de la Raza, more commonly known among English speakers as Columbus Day. According to Public Law 100-402, the President is to issue a proclamation every year that designates September 15 through October 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Although the ideal execution of the Constitution and the American government calls for casting a blind eye toward issues of race, it is important to distinguish this from the government’s encouragement of the cultivation of a cultural identity. The United States is something of a mosaic of all of the cultures that have intertwined to form the country and each respective ethnic group is encouraged to display their pride. Hispanics have been an important part of the United States since the 19th century. In 1822, a Floridian named Joseph Marion Hernandez became the first Hispanic member of the U.S. Congress, starting a long legacy of Hispanic presence in the United States government on a local, state, and national level. Throughout the history of the country, many Hispanic individuals have been selected to serve in many important positions in the national government, such as Alberto Gonzales, who was appointed the attorney general of the United States in 2005.

The contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to society do not end there. As far as the military is concerned, several of the most exemplary figures in U.S. military history have been Hispanic, and today, many of our soldiers serving proudly overseas are Hispanic. Horacio Rivero became the first Hispanic four-star admiral in 1964, and in 1982, Richard E. Cavasos became the first Hispanic four-star general of the United States. Some outstanding examples of Hispanic contributions to science in the United States include Severa Ochoa’s 1959 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the synthesis of RNA, and Luis Walter Alvarez’s 1968 Nobel Prize in Physics because of his discoveries concerning subatomic particles. Pulitzer Prize-winning Hispanics include Oscar Hijuelos in 1990, for his novel The Mamba Kings Play Songs of Love, and Nilo Cruz in 2003, for his play Anna in the Tropics. Carlos Santana has become a fixture of rock music history and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, paving the way for other Hispanic Americans to enter the mainstream music industry.

The overall theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month changes every year. In 2001, the theme was “Paving the Way for Future Generations”, and subsequent themes have included 2003’s “Ascending to New Heights”, 2005’s “Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric” and 2007’s “Hispanic Americans: Making a Positive Impact on American Society”. The themes are all concerned with examining the several ways that Hispanic Americans benefit the rest of the United States as a whole. This year’s theme is “Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Communities, Our Nations”. It will encourage Hispanic Americans to examine the ways in which that they can give back to society, as all should do, because of the many ways that being part of the American society is beneficial to us.

Throughout the country, many events are planned for National Hispanic Heritage Month that highlight the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to the country. For example, the Smithsonian Institute has almost two dozen events planned throughout the 30-day period, most of them taking place in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. The events are all bilingual and include the Latin Jazz Celebration, which will take place on October 4 for 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the National Postal Museum, bilingual tours of the Renwick Gallery, a play called Mestiza Power that sheds light on the everyday lives of Mayan women in the Yucutan, and so much more. If you happen to be in Washington D.C. at some point during National Hispanic Heritage Month, you will find plenty to do throughout the month. Otherwise, there are most likely going to be several celebrations and events held in most major cities, especially those with a large Hispanic population, so make sure to keep your eyes open for that.

National Hispanic Heritage is a great time to brush up on anything that has to do with Hispanic culture for those who are not Hispanic. Maybe you would like to learn some Spanish, if only for the purpose of being able to go to an authentic Hispanic restaurant without fear of not being understood. If you like to cook, you could learn some new dishes that incorporate the spicy flavors that Hispanic cuisine is often known for. Those who do not know how to dance to salsa or merengue are well-advised to head down to a club that plays that kind of music and take some lessons or just learn by doing. Part of the fun of living in a melting pot society is learning new and interesting things about other cultures, and Hispanic Heritage Month is a good a time as any to do so for Hispanic culture.

From September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month will celebrate the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to our national identity as a whole. Many great men and women have had a hand in shaping the America of today, whether through science, sports, music, or government, and the Hispanic Americans that live everyday lives are arguably as essential as well. There are plenty of events commemorating the month all throughout the country and you are encouraged to participate.