Friday marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month when we celebrate the history and culture of our fellow Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The event was created in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, declaring September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we also celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans whose contributions continue to make our great country even greater. A commitment to faith, family values, and a strong work ethic are just a few qualities that Hispanics hold dear and that embody the true American spirit.
This month we celebrate Hispanic entrepreneurs, business owners, mechanics, truck drivers, landscapers, and cooks — everyday heroes. We also celebrate Hispanic Americans who contribute each day in areas such as art, science, technology, music, politics, government, academia, and athletics.
Our country and the bond that we all share continues to strengthen because of our diversity. In fact, Hispanic entrepreneurs are creating businesses at a rate 15 times faster than the national average. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also reported that there are 4 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S. and that those businesses are generating more than $660 billion in annual revenue – an astonishing 88 percent increase in the U.S. economy since 2007.
And many Hispanic Americans continue to serve in the Armed Forces, protecting us from all enemies; both foreign and domestic. Many have also paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and 60 Hispanic Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the most prestigious military decoration awarded to recognize military service for acts of valor.
The U.S. represents the land of opportunity and Hispanic Americans are a testament that, with hard work and determination, anyone can succeed. The American Dream is alive and well, and more than 55 million Hispanic Americans can attest to that.
We are far from a perfect society, but each day millions of everyday Americans strive to make our country better through diversity and inclusion. We are stronger together. Nothing illustrates this better than scenes from Texas and Florida during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma where fellow citizens are placing their own lives in danger to save another.
In times of tragedy, we are not white or brown or black America, we are the United States.
As a third generation Mexican-American, I was the first to graduate from college in my family. What an amazing country we live in that the son of a truck driver and preschool teacher, and the grandson of factory workers, could one day end up serving under two presidential administrations before turning 30 years old. All I can say to that is “only in America.”
Our national motto is “E Pluribus Unum,” which in Latin means, “Out of many, one.” Our diversity is our strength, and our people our greatest asset. And so, this month, may we honor our fellow citizens who share our love of country and continue to make us great through their hard work and sacrifice.
We are truly stronger together.
Mark Vargas (@MarkAVargas) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. He is co-founder and president of tech startup Licentiam. From 2007-2010, he served as a civilian within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
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