Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States from September 15th to October 15th. Some 18% of U.S. residents trace their heritage to Spanish-speaking places in Central and South America and the Caribbean. That’s 57.5 million people, including more than 5 million people of Puerto Rican heritage in the states and 3.4 million in Puerto Rico.
The largest Hispanic population in the states has roots in Mexico, and Puerto Rico has the second largest representation. Google’s final Hispanic Heritage Doodle celebrated Puerto Rican Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. Clemente is just one of the many heroes from Puerto Rico honored in U.S. schools during Hispanic Heritage Month.
In many part of the United States, Spanish was spoken locally before English was. Spanish is still the second most popular language in the United States after English. When Puerto Rico becomes the 51st state, it will not be the state with the largest number of Spanish speakers.
Puerto Rico has participated in the U.S. military since the American Revolution.
It would be better if Latin heritage were celebrated all the time across the nation, just because it is such an important part of our American heritage. Until we reach that point, enjoy the final day of Hispanic Heritage Month.