Hispanic Heritage Month originated as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, established by legislation sponsored by Rep. George Brown Jr. and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. It was initially observed as a week in September including the 15th and 16th. In 1988, the celebration was expanded to a full month, from September 15 to October 15, by legislation sponsored by Rep. Esteban Torres, amended by Senator Paul Simon, and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. The first National Hispanic Heritage Month was proclaimed by President George H. W. Bush in 1989. The month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with Hispanic heritage and coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, as well as Columbus Day (Día de la Raza).