Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

It will last until October 15 and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

President Obama made a proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month and called upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

"Our Nation's story would not be possible without generations of Hispanics who have shaped and strengthened the fabric of our Union," the president said in a statement. "They have enriched every aspect of our national identity with traditions that stretch across centuries and reflect the many ancestries that comprise the Hispanic community. This month, we celebrate this rich heritage and reflect on the invaluable contributions Hispanics have made to America."

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Obama lauded hispanics for helping to shape American communities and expand the country, from laboratories and industry to board rooms and classrooms. 

"They have led movements that pushed our country closer to realizing the democratic ideals of America's founding documents, and they have served courageously as members of our Armed Forces to defend those ideals at home and abroad," Obama said. "Hispanics also serve as leaders throughout the public sector, working at the highest levels of our government and serving on our highest courts."

Obama also said that more work needs to be done to "widen the circle of opportunity for the Hispanic community."

"From promoting job creation and ensuring Hispanics are represented in the Federal workforce to reshaping our education system to meet the demands of the 21st century, my Administration has built ladders of opportunity," Obama said. "The Department of Homeland Security has lifted the shadow of deportation from talented and patriotic young people who were brought to America as children, giving them a degree of relief so they can continue contributing to our society, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of meaningful legislative immigration reform."

The Library of Congress, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Gallery of Art, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration will be hosting several events throughout the month to commemorate Hispanic heritage. For a list of events, visit https://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/index.html.