JACKSON, Wyo. — Mayor Arne Jorgensen proclaimed that National Hispanic Heritage Month will be observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of people in America whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
President Lyndon Johnson established a celebration of a Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month in 1988.
According to the Mayor’s proclamation, the month includes the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.
Jorgensen read that the Latino community comprises the largest ethnic and racial group in the U.S., and represents over 20% of the Town of Jackson’s population. He said that members of the Latino community have made countless contributions to the state’s economy and culture, serving in all branches of the armed forces, and working as dedicated public servants and leaders in education, healthcare, business and entrepreneurship.
“The heritage celebration provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the variety of the Hispanic community and its many and rich contributions to the U.S., to Wyoming and to our town,” Jorgensen said.
