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National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the lasting contributions Hispanic and Latino Americans have given to our history, culture and military service. At VA,

this month is an opportunity to highlight Hispanic and Latino Americans and to recognize the vital role Hispanic and Latino employees play in serving Veterans. HISTORY AND INFLUENCE National

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson established a week-long celebration to honor the influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans. In 1988, President Ronald

Reagan expanded it to a full month to offer a deeper recognition of the many ways this community has shaped our nation. The commemoration begins September 15 and ends October 15 to coincide

with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and Belize. It’s a time to reflect

on history and to look forward, celebrating all the ways Hispanic and Latino Americans have contributed to our national story. As of July 1, 2023, the Latino population in the United States

is more than 65.2 million strong, making it our nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority with 19.5% of our total population. COMMITMENT TO SERVICE From the American Revolution to the wars

in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hispanic and Latino service members have demonstrated bravery, leadership and a dedication to service. Heroes like Alfredo “Freddy” González, Lucian Adams, Charles

Rodriguez, Jose Mares and Joseph De Castro, along with countless others who remind us of the sacrifices made by Hispanic and Latino service members. Today more than 1.2 million Veterans

identify as Hispanic or Latino. VA proudly celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month alongside more than 30,000 of our Hispanic colleagues—a third of them Veterans.  Their dedication,

cultural insights, and commitment to service strengthens our mission to serve all who served.