(scoutori/Shutterstock) This week marks the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month, a monthlong celebration running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 designed to honor the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals across the United States. The observance begins on Sept. 15 to honor the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. (Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence the following day on Sept. 16.) Hispanic Heritage Week began in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later expanded to a month by president Ronald Reagan in 1988 thanks to the efforts of many, including U.S. Air Force Col. Gil Coronado. A Texas native, Coronado grew up on the west side of San Antonio and, at the age of 16, decided to enlist in the Air Force. He completed tours in Thailand, Panama, Germany and Spain before finally retiring from the service in 1989 with over 35 awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. An ardent believer in the importance of Hispanic heritage and awareness, Coronado has worked throughout his life to promote those efforts and to learn as much as he possibly could about where he and his ancestors […]

Click here to view original web page at www.diversityinc.com