R 121803Z SEP 24 MARADMIN 415/24 MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA//  SUBJ/2024 NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH//  REF/A/PL 90-498/17SEP1968//  REF/B/PL 100-402/17AUG1988//  REF/C/USD PERSONNEL AND READINESS MEMO/30AUG2022//  NARR/REF A IS PUBLIC LAW ON NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE WEEK.  REF B IS PUBLIC LAW ON NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.  REF C IS UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM FOR SENIOR PENTAGON  LEADERSHIP DEFENSE AGENCY AND DOD FIELD ACTIVITY DIRECTORS//  POC/S. C. WARNER/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-2149/TEL: DSN 278/ EMAIL: [email protected]// GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM) is  celebrated annually from 15 September through 15 October.  On 17 September 1968, Congress issued a joint resolution  authorizing the President to proclaim the week, including 15-16  September, as "National Hispanic Heritage Week." Congress amended  this resolution in 1988, creating a 31-day observance month  beginning on 15 September and ending on 15 October.  2.  NHHM commemorates the many achievements and cultures of  Hispanic Americans. NHHM is the only Department of Defense (DoD)  special observance to span multiple months, coinciding with  independence day celebrations for several Latin American countries.  The 2024 NHHM theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future  Together.” This theme emphasizes the Hispanic Americans who have  sacrificed to create a better future for the Nation and all  Americans. Additional information may be found at  https:(slash)(slash)www.defenseculture.mil/Special-Observances/. 3.  During this time, we honor the culture and contributions of  persons who trace their origin or descent to Mexico, Puerto Rico,  Cuba, Central and South America, and other Spanish cultures.  Leveraging the diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences of  personnel with Hispanic heritage contributes to operational  success. We value the past and present contributions of Service  members and DoD civilian employees of Hispanic heritage. As we  celebrate the achievements of our Hispanic military and civilian  employees, the Marine Corps recognizes the operational advantages  this diverse and dynamic community provides to operations at home  and abroad.      4.  The Marine Corps is committed to treating everyone with dignity  and respect. As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building  strength through diversity and remains dedicated to promoting a  professional environment free from personal, social, or  institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their  full potential.   5.  Release authorized by Brigadier General David R. Everly,  Deputy Director, Manpower and Plans and Policy Division.//