National Hispanic Heritage Month

Be Proud of Your Past, Embrace the Future.

Department of Defense 2020 National Hispanic Heritage Month Poster Set

From September 15 to October 15, the U.S. celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month! National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, EXWC and our DOD partners share the history, heritage and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of the past and present.

National Hispanic Heritage Month’s origins began in 1968 when Congress passed the law signed by President Lyndon Johnson, which authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation announcing National Hispanic Heritage Week. Fast-forward 20 years when President Ronald Reagan amended the former law and expanded National Hispanic Heritage Week to National Hispanic Heritage Month!

Beginning on a historically significant day, National Hispanic Heritage Month marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. This specific period is also a notable nod to Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence one day later, on September 16—respectively.

Hispanic Americans in the Military

In 1941, thousands of Latinos were among those who rushed to enlist to fight in WWII

Latinos fought in every major battle in the European Theatre when the U.S. Armed Forces were involved. This includes operations from North Africa to the Battle of the Bulge, and in the Pacific Theater of Operations from Bataan to Okinawa

According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Hispanics were not identified as an ethnicity on military records until the Vietnam War—so the exact number of Hispanics who served in WWII is unknown—however, unofficial estimates suggest 400,000 to 500,000 Latinos served

Despite cultural barriers, Latinas served as linguists and nurses for the Red Cross, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, and Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, and the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve