Hispanic Heritage Month

The USMC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Please join the U.S. Marine Corps and the National Museum of the Marine Corps in celebrating all the contributions that Hispanic Marines have made and continue to make for the nation.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 through October 15. The 2021 observance theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.”

On 17 September 1968, Congress issued a joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim annually the week including September 15 and 16 as “National Hispanic Heritage Week.” Congress amended this resolution in 1988 creating a 31-day observance beginning on 15 September and ending on 15 October. Since 1988, Presidents have issued proclamations, executive orders, and other guiding statements on National Hispanic Heritage Month and the policies to honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans. Both statutes can be found in the Public Laws section of www.congress.gov.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we take the opportunity to honor all Americans of Hispanic descent and to acknowledge their past and ongoing contributions to the success and growth of our Nation. Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States today, and generations of Hispanic Americans have consistently helped
make our country strong and prosperous.

The Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect. As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building strength through diversity and is dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their full potential.

Release authorized by BGen A. T. Williamson, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.

LtGen Pedro A. del Valle

1stLt Baldomero Lopez

1stLt Baldomero Lopez

On 8 July 1943, Lopez enlisted in the United States Navy, he served until 11 June 1944. After his discharge, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, and upon graduating 6 June 1947, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Shortly after the outbreak of the Korean war, he volunteered for duty as an infantry officer in Korea. On 15 September 1950, while leading his men over the seawall at Red Beach, Lopez was wounded by machine-gun fire. He had just pulled the pin on a hand grenade to throw at the North Koreans, and once he was hit, he pulled the grenade into his chest to save his men.

For his selfless act of heroism, Lopez was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Lopez's actions are depicted in the Museum's Korean War Gallery, where visitors can watch as he climbed the seawall moments before his untimely death. The news of his heroism spread quickly when Jerry Thorp, a Scripps-Howard war correspondent, immortalized the lieutenant with these words, "He died with the courage that makes men great."

Learn more about the Marine Corps’ Hispanic heritage displayed in the Museum by downloading our Special Topic Guide (on this page) and by visiting these exhibits: WWII “U.S. Marines in Europe” and “Battle of Okinawa”, Korea “1946-1953 Inchon/Seoul”, and the “Medal of Honor Wall”.