Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). Approved by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, this is a celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture, as well as recognition of the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which all declared independence in 1821. Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. See our quiz on page 15.

Baby Safety Month. To educate consumers on safety issues involving car seats, strollers, cribs and beds, toys, and other accessories for infants. Sponsored by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; visit www.jpma.org for ideas and details.

Library Card Sign-Up Month. To promote the accessibility of your local library. Children who use the library as a resource tend to perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library for learning and exploring new opportunities throughout their lives.

Pain Awareness Month. Dedicated to increasing understanding of pain issues and supporting the more than 70 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, the No. 1 cause of adult disability in the United States.

National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 6-12. Nearly 8.3 million adults in the U.S. had serious thoughts of suicide in 2009, according to a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition, 2.3 million adult Americans made a suicide plan, and 1.1 million adults actually attempted suicide in the past year. To recognize the warning signs and save a life, go to the American Association of Suicidology Web site.

Pollution Prevention Week, Sept. 19-25. This week is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and government to emphasize commitment to preventing pollution and supporting sustainability activities and achievements.

Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 19-25. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 6 and 8 to 14. Parents and caregivers are urged to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed in their vehicles to prevent injuries and deaths among children.

Balance Awareness Week, Sept. 20-24. Millions of people are affected by inner-ear balance disorders. Balance Awareness Week was created in 1997 to improve public understanding of “invisible” inner-ear balance disorders and their impact on the lives of affected individuals of all ages.

Labor Day, Sept. 6. To honor and celebrate the contributions of the American labor force.

National Boss/Employee Exchange Day, Sept. 13. Trade places with your boss—and have him or her try to do your job for a day. A day for bosses and employees to switch roles and responsibilities in order to appreciate one another’s point of view.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 17. The third Friday of September, observed across the nation as a time for Americans to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families

Talk Like a Pirate Day, Sept. 19. Avast, ye bilge rat! Drink some grog and dance a hornpipe, or else yer a lowly lubber!