The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month honors the numerous contributions to our country & celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to various Spanish-speaking nations. September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries : Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, & Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico & Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and 18th, respectively. On September 17, 1968, Congress certified President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed through the week as well as September 15th and 16th. The observance was expanded in 1974 by President Gerald R. Ford's proclamation for it to initiate September 10th through the 16th. Congress yet again passed another law on August 17, 1988 authorizing President Ronald Reagan to inflate the observance to a month-long celebration.
