2. Write a short history of Hispanic Heritage Month in Japanese.

3. Do you know of anything like "Ainu Heritage Month" or "Ryukyu Heritage Week" in Japan?

Hispanic Heritage Month actually began as National Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the independence of Hispanic countries from September 15-18. In 1974, then President Gerald R. Ford proclaimed the week beginning September 10, 1974, and ending September 16, 1974, as National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1989, it became a month-long celebration which we now honor every year.

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• B
  • Hispanic Heritage Month actually began as National Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the independence of Hispanic countries from September 15-18. In 1974, then President Gerald R. Ford proclaimed the week beginning September 10, 1974, and ending September 16, 1974, as National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1989, it became a month-long celebration which we now honor every year.
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1. Put the following subtitles in their appropriate places (A-E) in the passage.

• 1 Everyone Can Celebrate
• 2 Famous Hispanic Americans
• 3 Hispanic Heritage History
• 4 Honoring 'The Day of the Race'
• 5 Starting Early, Growing Quickly

2. Do you know of anything like "Ainu Heritage Month" or "Ryukyu Heritage Week" in Japan?

If yes, where and when is it?

If not, do you think it should be done in Japan? Why or why not?

NATIONAL NEWS Celebrating Hispanic Heritage September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month From mid-September through mid-October, America recognizes the contributions, culture, and heritage of Hispanic Americans.

The month-long celebration began on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico achieved independence on September 16 while Chile gained independence on September 18.

Honoring 'The Day of the Race' The celebration extends into October to mark "El Dia de la Raza," or "The Day of the Race" on October 12. "El Dia de la Raza" is observed throughout most of Mexico and Latin America. The day celebrates the many nationalities that are present in the history of Mexico, Central America, and South America. These nationalities include Native Americans such as the Mayas, Aztecs and Incas; and European nationalities such as Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

Hispanic Heritage History Hispanic Heritage Month actually began as National Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the independence of Hispanic countries from September 15-18. In 1974, then President Gerald R. Ford proclaimed the week beginning September 10, 1974, and ending September 16, 1974, as National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1989, it became a month-long celebration which we now honor every year.

Starting Early, Growing Quickly Hispanic people were among the earliest European settlers in the New World, what is today the United States. Hispanic Americans have roots in Europe, Africa, and South and Central America and close cultural ties to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Spain.

Today, the Hispanic or Latino population in the U.S. is estimated at 39.9 million people. According to the U.S. Census (a study that tracks population growth), the country's Hispanic population grew by 58 percent from 1990 to 2000, making it the fastest growing minority group in the country.

Famous Hispanic Americans

From sports to government to entertainment and science, Hispanic Americans have played important roles in America's history, its values, and culture. They include baseball star Alex Rodriguez, women痴 basketball player Rebecca Lobo, actor George Lopez, actress Cameron Diaz, astronauts Michael Lopez-Alegria and Ellen Ochoa, and author Isabel Allende. As of 2002, more than 63,000 people were on active duty in the Armed Forces according to the U.S. Census.

Everyone Can Celebrate

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated with community festivals, government gatherings, and educational activities. Many schools celebrate the month by learning about contributions of Hispanic Americans both past and present.

By Dina El Nabli http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/news/printout/0,9187,703367,00.html

put in subtitles