Photo By Bernhard Lashleyleidner | Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edwin Reyes, left, airspace manager with 1st Inf. Div.,...... read more read more
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More than 250 Soldiers, family members and civilians attended the Hispanic American Heritage Month Observance Sept. 23 at Riley’s Conference Center. This observance featured a musical tribute, dancing and food.
Sept. 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, 30 days dedicated to celebrating and honoring Americans with Hispanic heritage, along with their cultures, history and accomplishments.
The observance started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period, according to the Library of
Congress’ National Hispanic Heritage Month website.
Guests were treated to a musical tribute by the 1st Infantry Division Band’s Latin ensemble, a Zumba demonstration by Vicky Torres and Hispanic food.
Sgt. 1st Class Alex Deprat, equal opportunity adviser with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., served as master of ceremonies.
“Today, our long and commendable record of military service stands as a powerful message,” Deprat said. “This is the perfect opportunity to delve more deeply into the history of our ancestors and help create an
intimate knowledge of the role that Latinos have played in U.S. history.”
Deprat, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, said the greatest weapon for combating ignorance and prejudice is educating people about different ethnic groups.
“It feels really good to see our contribution to the military being recognized,” said Pvt. Karla Cintron, Company D, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry
Division. “When I look around the room and see the many different cultures embracing my Latin heritage, it fills my heart with so much pride.”
Cintron, a native of Puerto Rico, said she was new to the military and the U.S., and attending the Hispanic American Heritage Observance gave her a strong sense of acceptance.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edwin Reyes, airspace manager, 1st Inf. Div., delivered the keynote address.
Reyes, a native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, told the audience Latin American people have energized the entire nation’s diversity by mixing with all types of races and ethnicities by celebrating their differences,
not only in United States but also in every country they go.
“We love spreading our culture, showcasing our talents and representing our mother countries while working hard for a better America,” Reyes said. “This day is about reflecting and respecting all the sacrifices
of those who have come before us and paved the way for us to serve in the military today.”
Reyes said Hispanic men and women have shown their love for the United States by answering the call to serve, and the country owes them and their families a tremendous debt of gratitude.
“I hope one day to see my children and grandchildren making a difference in America,” Reyes said. “I hope they teach their children just like my parents taught me, to never forget where they came from and to always be proud of their Hispanic heritage.”
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.27.2015 13:47 |
| Story ID: | 180069 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KS, US |
| Hometown: | SANTO DOMINGO, DO |
| Hometown: | SAN JUAN, PR |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Crowd celebrates Hispanic American Heritage Month, by Bernhard Lashleyleidner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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