L. M. GONZALEZ, Writer

WELCOME TO THE CELEBRATION

Hello,

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile, on September 18.

I understand that in San Antonio, TX, they have a gathering by the Municipal Auditorium where people celebrate "El Grito", Father Hidalgo's yell, by ringing the church bell of his church calling everyone in Mexico to fight for liberty from Spanish rule.

This year's theme is "Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now!"