KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, as we honor the generations of Hispanic American service members and veterans whose courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty have helped defend our nation and preserve our freedoms.
The legacy of Hispanic Americans in our armed forces stretches back generations. From the earliest chapters of our nation’s history through two world wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and up to our current conflict in the Middle East, Hispanic Americans have answered the call to serve. Across every branch of the military and around the globe, they have fought with distinction, led with courage and made sacrifices that helped shape the fighting force we know today.
Their record of service is woven into America’s military history. Hispanic American service members have distinguished themselves on battlefields, at sea and in the skies, earning our nation’s highest military honors for valor, but their legacy is measured by more than medals. It lives in the countless acts of leadership, perseverance and selfless service performed by the women and men who put on our nation’s uniform and placed mission and country before themselves.
That commitment does not end when military service does. Hispanic veterans continue to serve as leaders, mentors, advocates and neighbors, strengthening communities across the country and inspiring new generations to lead lives of service.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary proudly salute our service members and veterans of Hispanic heritage, past and present. We thank you for answering our nation’s call, honor the sacrifices you and your families have made and recognize your enduring contributions to not only our military, but our communities and our country.