Background

The mission of the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives is to disseminate and advance understanding and knowledge of the contributions of Latinas and Latinos to the culture, society, history, arts, and sciences of the United States (US). Since its inaugural opening on August 10, 1998, the Center has taken an active role in developing knowledge of the accomplishments of Latinas/os,“Latino Patriots” and their role in US military history. Under the direction of Refugio I. Rochin, research has been conducted, data collected, and text prepared at the Smithsonian Institution by Lionel Fernandez, a volunteer at the Center for Latino Initiatives. Jose Alonzo Oliveros, a former fellow at the Center under the auspices of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (FY 2000), initially prepared the groundwork for this project.

This research has explored the feasibility of developing an exhibition at the Smithsonian to document the contributions of Hispanic Americans in military conflicts since the American Revolution where the US has played an active role. This history dates back to the colonial era with the onset of the American Revolution and spans more than 200 years to include contemporary military conflicts. The Smithsonian’s collections include more than 140 million objects and archival materials. These include military memorabilia of US war periods. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is the primary repository of materials that involve the participation of Latinas/os in US military engagements. The National Air and Space Museum has a few relevant objects to add to our knowledge. Several of these wars have placed US Hispanics in the roles of both allies and enemies with Hispanics from other nations.