Starting from September 15 to October 15, Americans are asked to observe and celebrate the Hispanic history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose forefathers came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The tradition started in 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed a week to honor Hispanic contributions to America. In 1988, under President Ronald Regan, it was expanded to cover 30 days.

September 15 was chosen because of the anniversary of independence from Spain for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua while Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence in September.

Most Hispanic and Latino immigrants who come to this country come here to escape war, poverty or crime in their homelands. Most come here for a better life and an opportunity to work.

The Hispanic population in America and in this county is growing, with more Hispanics going to college, holding public office and starting businesses.

A great example of that is Casimiro ‘Chico' Rodriguez, the proprietor of Tilly's Diner in Monticello. Chico was recently recognized with Thompson's Business of the Month award. After coming to America by way of Mexico, Rodriguez started as a dishwasher at the diner and moved up the ranks to a short-order cook. Rodriguez eventually purchased the restaurant and continued to expand and succeed.

According to the Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress's latest report, the Hispanic population in Sullivan County has increased by 71 percent between 2000 to 2017.

Hispanics have a strong presence in the military dating back to the Civil War, where 20,000 soldiers fought on both sides, according to the United States Army.

In fact, as of 2018, 136,000 Hispanic soldiers currently serve in the armed forces, making up 13.8 percent of America's military.

Approximately 59,000 active and reserve Sailors of Hispanic heritage serve in the U.S. Navy.

Many cities, towns and states in America have Spanish names. California, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah all have Spanish origins.

According to Sullivan County Historian John Conway, Manuel Gonsalus, Jr. is believed to be the first European settler in what was to become the Town of Mamakating.

He settled here in the middle part of the 18th century when his father Manuel Gonsalus, Sr., left Spain and settled in the Kingston area around 1680.

Manuel Sr., while on a trip to Mamakating to visit his son, passed away and is buried on a property that is now part of the Wurtsboro Airport. His grave marker still stands.

Moreover, Manuel Sr.'s oldest son Samuel Gonsalus, is believed to be the first European born in what was to become Sullivan County.

Samuel was known in the area as an “Indian fighter” during the French and Indian war. While being chased by Native Americans, he escaped and saved himself by leaping from a precipice high on top of the Shawangunk Range. Using branches to slow down his descent, he survived.

The high point where Samuel jumped off is now known as Sam's Point, which has become a well-known viewing spot on the ridge.

Another notable Latin figure in Sullivan County history is Luis de Hoyos, who was born in Spain and immigrated to the area in 1908 when he was 16-years-old.

He eventually served as Mayor of Monticello for 16 years, starting in the 1950s.

His son, Luis Jr., followed in his father's footsteps and was Mayor of Monticello in the 1960s. De Hoyas Park and a street are named after De Hoyas. SUNY Sullivan has a gallery also that bears that name.

Another notable person was Bill Perez, Highland Town Supervisor in the 1980s until 1993, when Andrew Boyar succeeded him.

Today, there are many notable Hispanics in Sullivan County who continue to make contributions.

Here are just some, Sullivan County Legislator and Chairman Luis Alvarez, Board of Elections Commissioner Cora Edwards, Co-Founders of the Latino Alliance of Sullivan County Allen Weir and Edwin Perez, former Executive Director for the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission and now Constituent Services Manager for State Senator Jen Metzger Ari Mir-Pontier, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Administrator and Diversity Officer Nicole A. Slevin and Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Wanda Cruz, former President of the Sullivan County Chapter of the NAACP Sandra Oxford, President and CEO of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development Marc Baez, Sullivan 180 Program Director Saraid Gonzalez, Sullivan Renaissance Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator Juan Journet, SUNY Sullivan Chief Diversity Officer Lorraine Lopez-Janove.

For the Sullivan County Democrat newspaper, we have Assistant Advertising Director Barbara Matos, Special Section Coordinator Susan Panella, Freelance Reporter Rebeca Rivera and Staff Reporter Patricio Robayo.

While we're sure that many were not listed these are just some who are making or have made their mark in Sullivan County.

While it is important this month to reflect on the contributions that Hispanics have made to this country and this county, it is not separate from American history but a signifcant part of it, and one of the building blocks to this nation.