OKINAWA, Japan - As a way to acknowledge contributions to society, military and the economy made by Hispanics, U.S. bases throughout Okinawa will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The monthlong celebration honors the many contributions made by the Hispanic community. It originally began as Hispanic Heritage week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, and was expanded to Hispanic Heritage Month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to celebrate the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Chile and Nicaragua.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to educate people on the contributions made by Hispanics,” said Gunnery Sgt. Darrell W. Clark, the equal opportunity advisor for Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “Many of these contributions have been overlooked.”

The month honors contributions made to all aspects of society, including the military. Hispanics have served in combat since the Civil War and continue to serve in present day wars. There have been a total of 44 Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients, 13 of which were Marines. The most recent Hispanic Medal of Honor recipient was Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry. He received the award May 26, 2008, in Afghanistan.

“Hispanic (service members) have fought in every conflict since the Civil War,” said Clark. “Many of them fought even though they were not yet citizens, and that says a great deal about their courage and willingness to sacrifice.”

For many Hispanics, the contribution of serving in the military is not only a life-changing experience, but also a great source of pride.

“I am making myself and my family proud,” said Pfc. Robert A. Rodriguez, a hazardous materials technician with Environmental Affairs Branch, G-F, Facilities, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “I am doing different things than my friends back home. Being a Marine has been an excellent experience.”

To acknowledge the contributions made by Hispanic-Americans to the military, 3rd Marine Division will host a ceremony at the Palms ballroom at Camp Hansen Oct. 4 at 8:30 p.m. and III Marine Expeditionary Force will host an observance at the Palms Oct. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To find out how to participate or observe other events during Hispanic Heritage Month, people can contact their unit’s equal opportunity officer.