On Friday, Sept 14, the LA County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (MVA) will honor the contributions of Hispanic veterans throughout U.S. history, featuring local dignitaries and veterans at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 Figueroa Street.

The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. and include color guard, invocation, music, light refreshments, and a variety of speakers. All are welcome.

Julio Cesar Ortiz, Univision Reporter, KMEX Channel 34, will serve as Master of Ceremonies and introduce our impressive speakers, including:

– General Ruth Wong, United States Air Force (Ret), LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director
– Elizabeth Perez, Deputy Secretary, Minority Veterans Affairs, California Department of Veterans Affairs
– Janet Chin, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, on behalf of Ed Hernandez, California State Senator, District 22
– Hector Barajas, deported Army veteran, Founder, Deported Veterans Support House
– Keith Jeffreys–Executive Director, United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance (USVAA)
-Hector Barajas will recount his journey of becoming a citizen after being deported for fourteen years and giving back by founding the Deported Veterans Support House.

The event will also feature the artwork of Roberto Carlos Zea, Marine veteran.

In support of this celebration, General Wong stated, “We honor the contributions and sacrifices of our Hispanic brothers and sisters in the armed forces. We cannot thank and recognize them enough for their service to our country.”

Observation of Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15, and was enacted into law in 1988. The day of September 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 September 16 and September18, respectively.

The LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA) provides assistance to LA County veterans, active service members and their families with resources, programs, services and state and federal benefits, including: compensation and pension claims, burial benefits and services, medical and mental health referral, education and vocational rehabilitation, home loans and grants applications, employment and job placement assistance, DMV veteran designation, legal service referrals, appeal processes, incarcerated veterans and aid and attendance.

For more information, click [here].