Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 – October 15
Each year we dedicated these days as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. We want to take the opportunity to recognize and honor those who have shaped history and significantly impacted our culture, our communities, and our life together.
The Salvation Army USA Central Territory Intercultural Ministries department has provided materials to observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. These resources contain an intro to the theme, a worship service outline, a sermon, videos, devotionals, and program ideas.
The theme for this year is “Sing a New Song” based on the scripture passage Psalm 96:1:
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
¡Canten al Señor un cántico nuevo!
¡Canten al Señor, habitantes de toda la tierra!
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR THE FULL RESOURCE
How will you be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month? We encourage you to acknowledge and celebrate this special month within your units!
Thank you for your support!
– Territorial Intercultural Department, USA Central Territory
HISTORY OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988.
Since then, the month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. It also includes holidays recognizing Hispanic contributions, such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day, which is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In the following link, you will find a two-minute video explaining the history behind Hispanic Heritage Month.