MRFF Board Member John Compere on the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, including honoring our fallen and active duty Hispanic Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of
Hispanic Americans to our nation’s history, culture and achievements. It is a month long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history, culture, food, art, music and accomplishments.

It began as a week long celebration in September by legislation signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. It was expanded to a month beginning in September by legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

September 15 was selected as the starting date because it coincides with the start of the Mexican War of Independence against Spain in 1810 which resulted in independence in 1821 for Mexico and the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua. It also coincides with the independence celebration dates of these countries.

Hispanic Heritage has been officially recognized and celebrated in the United States for more than 50 years. It is important because it provides an opportunity to commemorate the integral part the Hispanic community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy. The Hispanic population in the United States exceeds 66 million and represents more than 20% of the population. It is our largest ethnic group.

The 2025 theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” to emphasize the importance of both recognizing the traditions and achievements of the past and looking forward to a brighter future. There will be festivals, parades, music concerts, dances, art exhibits, food fests and similar activities held in communities throughout the country to commemorate this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is also a time when our military traditionally honors its fallen and active duty Hispanic Americans who served and are serving in the US Armed Forces. 61 people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

Hispanic and Latino are the traditional terms to describe Americans with Spanish, Latin American or Caribbean ancestry. “Hispanic” refers to Spanish ancestry or the Spanish language while “Latino” refers to Latin American or Caribbean ancestry. These terms are used interchangeably.

It is historically noteworthy that the Latino presence in America predates the early Spanish colonization and spans centuries. After the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico which incorporated the people of these areas into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic/Latino Americans.

It is also worthy to note that America’s Hispanic Heritage Month is followed by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican national holiday, celebrated October 31 – November 2. It is an indigenous tradition originating in Mexico several thousand years ago representing the ancient belief that the spirits of deceased family and friends return for a visit when welcomed. It is also celebrated by Hispanic/Latino communities throughout the United States.

John Compere
Brigadier General, US Army (Retired)
Disabled American Veteran (Vietnam Era)
Board Member, Military Religious Freedom Foundation
Texas rancher