Hispanics a future of success

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rommel Blanco
  • EAFB
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Each year from, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  Every year's celebration has a theme and this year's is "Hispanics: A legacy of history, a present of action and a future of success."  The last part, "A future of success," is what this article is about.  Today, as it has been the case throughout American history, more and more people continue to arrive every day, by any means possible.  Some say they come looking for freedom, others may say they are looking for a better life and others say they are looking for the American Dream.  The truth is that no other country in the world may have so many stories of people who have arrived with nothing and through hard work and dedication have bettered themselves, their families and their communities. In some cases, their decedents have become businessmen, teachers, the next generation of leaders and pioneers of scientific and technological breakthroughs.  Hispanics are no exception.  Today, you can find Hispanics working in every branch of the government, in every aspect of the economy and supporting their communities.  They continue to help write our history, influence our culture, defend our freedoms, and as their decedents take their place, they'll too continue to contribute to a future of success for this great nation.  The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon 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, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.  The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.