Hispanic Heritage

Que Viva Mi Gente!

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, LVM would like to dedicate this feature to the many Hispanic/Latinos living in the United States. This month serves as a celebration of our culture. May our Language, our foods and our customs continue to prosper as one, let us remember always that it is through this unity that we have achieved strength.

How Hispanic Heritage Month came to be!

On September 17, 1968, the 90th Congress approved PUBLIC LAW 90-498. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the President is hereby authorized and requested to issue annually a proclamation designating the week including September 15 and 16 as “National Hispanic Heritage Week” and calling upon the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

A MONTH LONG CELEBRATION DEDICATED TO HISPANICS!
Today, our rich Latin culture can be found just about everywhere! As last we are able to enjoy more English programming television that feature Hispanic actors in key roles. Our musical talents continue to set trends in the entertainment industry. And in business, there are more Hispanic owned companies in the U.S. than ever before.

Hispanics are now the # 1 Minority in the United States……We are key players in today’s society with strength in numbers that continue to grow daily!

For your historical education, we have compiled a list of famous “Latinos”, please check by often as I can assure you this list will continue to grow!

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month -Jolie
Luis Muñoz Marín
Governor of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican
1898–1980

After holding many offices in Puerto Rico and improving ties with the U.S., Luis Muñoz Marín was the first governor elected by the people of Puerto Rico in 1947. He was one of the people who drafted Puerto Rico's constitution and helped lead Puerto Rico in becoming a self-governing Commonwealth. Muñoz Marín worked for the cause of poor people to own land and also to draw businesses to Puerto Rico.


Carlos Juan Finlay
Physician
Cuban American
1833–1915

Carlos Juan Finlay solved the mystery of what caused yellow fever. This deadly disease had no known cure just over 100 years ago and killed thousands of people. In 1881, he discovered that mosquitoes spread yellow fever, but he could not prove it. Other scientists did not believe him. They made fun of him, calling him the mosquito man. Eventually, because of the work of Finlay and Walter Reed, another important physician, scientists were able to develop a vaccine using diseased mosquitoes and conquer this disease.


David G. Farragut
Civil War Admiral
Spanish American
1801–1870

As an admiral in the Union Navy, David Farragut was the most famous Hispanic soldier in the Civil War. He joined the Navy when he was only 10 years of age — the youngest person ever to enlist! Farragut is known for a famous remark during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. When the ship in front of his struck an explosive mine and sank, Farragut urged on his crew, shouting, "Damn the torpedoes! Go ahead. Four bells [full speed]!" His fleet of ships captured the Confederate ships in the harbor and won the battle. Farragut was the first person to earn the rank of admiral in the United States Navy.