MEDIA

Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month from 15 September through 15 October is observed. We honor the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society, especially here at the United States Naval Academy.

The tradition of observing Hispanic heritage began in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson designated a week in mid-September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later in 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended that week to a month-long observance. 

The Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro '83, is a prime example of the significant influence of this heritage on our nation.

Listen to this podcast from Naval Academy History Productions as he discusses the journey as a Cuban-American refugee to his time at the Academy.

Featured Stories 

  First Hispanic American Graduate of USNA, Commodore Robert Lopez ‘1879, USN (Ret.) served in the Spanish-American War during the battle of Manila Bay alongside Commodore George Dewey, served as commandant of the Mare Island shipyard during World War I, and was the first Hispanic American graduate of the Academy. 
     

  Marine Corps 2023 National Hispanic Heritage Month Message 
     

  Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Division Band, known as "The Division's Own," recently performed during the Onslow Hispanic Latino Association Summer Latin Fiesta in Jacksonville, N.C.
     

  National Hispanic Heritage Month 15 September-15 October, marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation.
     

  A Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2023
     

Explore our Facebook and Instagram pages for a more complete look at our Hispanic Heritage Month coverage.

Look for observations of other community and heritage celebrations throughout 2023.