It wasn’t until 1988 that National Hispanic Heritage Week became National Hispanic Heritage Month, as deemed by President Reagan. Initially launched in 1968 by President Johnson, who declared in his Proclamation 3869 that the week of September 15th would be recognized as a time to celebrate Hispanic heritage, he opens with, “It is with special pride that I call the attention of my fellow citizens to the great contribution to our national heritage made by our people of Hispanic descent—not only in the fields of culture, business, and science, but also through their valor in battle.”
This month, between September 15th and October 15th, we honor, celebrate, and recognize our neighbors, friends and loved ones, who, as Latinas and Latinos, have helped to shape the place we call home, both here in Stratford and beyond our town lines.
Today, during the Latin Music Festival held on Paradise Green between 12pm-6pm, we will not only celebrate with music, but with culture, friendship, respect, and acknowledgement. Take some time to learn more about what Hispanic Heritage Month means. You can pick up a book at our local bookshop written by a Latinx author, stop into the library and learn more, attend the Hispanic Heritage Month flag-raising on September 16th at 9am at Town Hall, and be sure to check out The Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee’s website.
Y juntos, demos la bienvenida a todos nuestros vecinos, especialmente a los miembros de nuestra comunidad latina, todos los días del año. Translation: And together, let’s welcome all of our neighbors, especially our Latinx community members, every day of the year.
