HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 has been designated to celebrate the heritage and cultural diversity that Hispanic Americans have contributed to the United States. According to the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers, this year's theme is "Diversity United, Building America's Future Today."

Did you know?
This observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period--Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

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

The projected Hispanic population of the United States on July 1, 2050, will be 132.8 million. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 30 percent of the nation's population by that date. Hispanics are more than a quarter of the nation's youngest residents, according to the new population estimates, accounting for 26.3 percent of the population younger than age one. Among other major non-Hispanic groups, the share for whites is 49.6 percent; for blacks, 13.7 percent; and for Asians 4.4 percent.

Hispanic Heritage Month events:
On Sept. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. there will be a Children's Fiesta at the Minutemen Commons with a piñata, cakes, drinks and games for kids.

On Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. a grand finale luncheon will take place at the Minutemen Commons. The guest speaker is Joseph Garcia from the Department of Agriculture, with a performance from Flamenco dancers during intermission.