WASHINGTON – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to honor our nation’s service members and veterans of Hispanic heritage from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The month’s designation encompasses the anniversaries of independence for seven Latin American countries and commemorates the heritage of U.S.-born and naturalized Hispanic American citizens, as well as immigrants to the United States from Latin American countries. The U.S. Census Bureau reported 62.1 million Hispanic or Latino people account for 18.7% of the total U.S. population in 2020, and 17.2% of active-duty military personnel.
Since the Revolutionary War, Hispanic and Latino Americans have served in large numbers in every conflict up to present day. Among them, 61 were awarded the Medal of Honor. Through their hard work, dedication and sacrifice in the U.S., people of Hispanic heritage built large expanses of infrastructure; advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; broadened the arts and humanities; pressed for social and political changes; and secured freedom and democracy, both at home and abroad. Their culture, customs, language and unique American experience are a legacy that makes our nation’s history that much richer.
The VFW salutes all service members, veterans, comrades, and their families of Hispanic heritage for their indelible contributions to our freedom and our way of life.