2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month

1.  National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 through October 15.  The 2022 observance theme is "Unidos:  Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation."<br>
2.  On 17 September 1968, Congress issued a joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim annually the week including September 15 and 16 as "National Hispanic Heritage Week."  Congress amended this resolution in 1988 creating a 31-day observance beginning on 15 September and ending on 15 October.  Since 1988, Presidents have issued proclamations, executive orders, and other guiding statements on National Hispanic Heritage Month and the policies to honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans.  Both statutes can be found in the Public Laws section of www.congress.gov.<br>
3.  During Hispanic Heritage Month, we take the opportunity to honor all Americans of Hispanic descent and to acknowledge their past and ongoing contributions to the success and growth of our Nation.  Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States today, and generations of Hispanic Americans have consistently helped make our country strong and prosperous.  In June 2007, the Marine Corps posthumously honored Corporal Ramona M. Valdez when the II MEF Communications Training Center was dedicated as the Valdez Training Facility.  During her deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Cpl Valdez was serving with the Female Search Force where she helped guard checkpoints and search Iraqi women and children. Her convoy was returning to Camp Fallujah, when it was hit by a suicide bomber.  Sadly she was killed three days prior to her 21st birthday.  The professionalism, proficiency, and pride with which Cpl Valdez served were indicative of the honorable service and the fighting spirit of Marines of Hispanic descent. <br>
4.  As a service, we must take full advantage of the talents, strengths, skills, and perspectives of every Marine.  Our talent management system and our leaders support this imperative of prioritizing diversity of thought, fostering inclusivity, and implementing policies that ensure equity across the force.  During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions of Hispanic Americans – military, veteran, and civilian - to our country and Corps.<br>
5.  Our Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect.  As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building strength through diversity and is dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their full potential.<br>
6.  Release authorized by BGen A. T. Williamson, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.