Hispanic Heritage Month, Celebrating Past, Present and Future Achievement

Monday, September 15, marks the beginning of a month of celebration and recognition activities among five Latin American countries and the United States, known as Hispanic Heritage Month. This year's theme is, 'Honoring our Past, Surpassing our Present and Leading our Future.

"During the month at Goddard, we want to promote cultural aspects of Hispanic countries," said Dan Krieger, Hispanic Program Manager. "The month observance was selected from September 15 to October 15 as to capture as many Independence Day celebrations in as many Latin and Central American nations as possible," said Krieger.

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua will recognize their Independence Day on September 15; Mexico on September 16; and Chile on September 18.

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. During the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino.

According to Krieger, there are more than 100 Hispanic civil servants at Goddard, and 80 percent of them are either scientists or engineers. Puerto Rico is the most represented at Goddard with 12 other Hispanic nations represented as well.

In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, and this observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration to honor our Nation's Hispanic heritage.

According to Krieger, the month observance is two fold at Goddard. It allows a little time to focus on the enormous contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our great nation. Locally, it gives the Goddard population time to recognize and celebrate the enormous contributions Hispanics at Goddard have made to the successes of our many missions.

But according to Krieger, Hispanic activities at Goddard are not just held during one month out of the calendar year. The Hispanic Heritage Club, which consists of about 35 people, sponsors events and activities throughout the year to promote the Hispanic culture at Goddard.

Krieger said the Goddard club has historically participated in community activities that partner with the local communities organizations. Past activities have included tutoring and mentoring sessions for local students. The club has also taken the responsibility of informing the Goddard community about local Hispanic activities.

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