Daniel Elizondo, Editor
Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 4:49 pm

Daniel Elizondo

Now that we have approached Hispanic Heritage Month, it seems fitting that I acknowledge the observance of this tradition.

Hispanic Heritage Month is the period of Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, for people to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate the group’s heritage and culture.

The observance was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and expanded to 30 days by President Ronald Reagan.

It dates back to observing the Hispanic heritage beginning with the important presence of Hispanic Americans in North America, starting with the discovery of America by Spanish conquistadors led by Christopher Columbus on Oct. 12, 1492.

Having been born and raised in South Texas, Hispanics have continued to thrive in the area that is around San Antonio – rich in hispanic heritage.

Growing up as a Hispanic was not easy, whatever area you lived near. Though we were accustomed to our values and traditions growing up as children, we became better educated and strived to be better than our ancestors – because that is how they wanted us to succeed.

I always remember growing up, my grandmother instilling education into our minds. Seeing that they attended school in segregated school houses out in the country of South Texas gave me the inspiration to follow the path they had walked with the desire to finish.

Today, I can look at the path I took and realize that my ancestors would be proud of where my work has taken me.

One of my idols I always looked up to as I entered the newspaper business was Robert Rivard, former Editor of the San Antonio Express News.

He instilled a Hispanic flair to that daily newspaper and always acknowledged his heritage while doing the same for the general public.

Though he has exited the newspaper business and now concentrates on writing books, he continues to support the Hispanic heritage of San Antonio and the State of Texas through his blog and twitter.

His words of inspiration to Hispanics and minorities across the state are compelling while he gives accolades to those that are successful.

Through hard work and perseverance, it is quite fulfilling to give back to our Hispanic heritage with success.

But with success, we can never forget where we came from and always remember our roots.

Today, I visit family in South Texas and feel comfortable seeing where I came from.

It is not a thriving area by no means, but to me, it will always be my home, just as it was when I was a child.