Hanscom celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Published
  • By 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Hispanic Heritage Month will take place Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

This year’s national theme is “Hispanics: One Endless Voice to Enhance Our Traditions.”

“These traditions run deep, just like our Air Force core values,” said David Guadalupe, Hanscom’s Hispanic Heritage Month Committee chair. “We celebrate our heritage this time of year, but above all, we wish to share our traditions with the Hanscom community through education, song and, of course, food.”

The annual observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under then-President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, then-President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a 30-day observance.

The celebration begins Sept. 15 because five Latin American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, declared their independence from Spanish colonization on that day in 1821. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

To celebrate Hispanic heritage at Hanscom, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee has scheduled a free food-tasting event Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the base chapel.

The committee has also scheduled a Latin dance night Oct. 5 beginning at 6 p.m. during First Friday at the Minuteman Commons. This free event will feature Hispanic elements for attendees to enjoy.

“We hope all service members, civilians, contractors and family members have an opportunity to participate in these wonderful events,” said Guadalupe.

For further information about Hispanic Heritage Month, or about any of the planned events, contact Guadalupe at 781-225-5291.