Photo By Spc. Jessica Dahlberg | Two "Maori" soldiers do a war dance during the Asian Pacific American Heritage...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Jessica R. Dahlberg
382nd Public Affairs Detachment
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – One thousand colorful paper cranes decorated the Morale, Welfare and Recreation clamshell, May 28.
The cranes, constructed of origami (Japanese paper folding) were highlights to food, cultural shows and demonstrations, which were held for more than three hours in celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage month.
Making the paper cranes was a time consuming venture, which covered the span of a week, said Chief Warrant Officer Mina Carter, who is from Laos. They are important to the event because they represent long life and good health, and are also a symbol of peace. It is a tradition to fold a thousand paper cranes for someone who is sick in hopes they will get well.
Volunteers were the key to the event's success, said Carter.
The volunteers did everything from the decorations to practicing hours ahead of time for the cultural performances given during the event, said Carter. Also, they provided cultural-specific entertainment such as martial arts demonstrations, Hula and Haka dances throughout the event.
The martial arts demonstrators showed moves from all different forms of martial arts. The Hula, which originated in Hawaii by the Polynesians, was performed by four service members. The Haka dance, a war dance done by the Maori of New Zealand, was also done by four service members, who shouted and stomped along to the beat.
"I think that the performances show very unique cultures from the Asian Pacific, and that the Army itself is very ethnically diverse," said Carter.
The whole event took nine days to set up with the help of all the volunteers, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Baratta, the Combined Joint Task Force - 101 equal opportunity advisor and sexual assault response coordinator.
Asian Pacific Heritage month was enacted by public law on, October 28, 1992, to honor the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans and to recognize their contributions to the United States. May was selected as the month because of two significant events that happened that month: Japanese immigrants first arrived in the U.S., May 7, 1843, and the transcontinental railroad was completed on, May 10, 1869.
"Asian Pacific Heritage month means a great deal to me and my country," said Army Staff Sgt. Donna Freeman, who is American Samoan and part of the Headquarter Headquarters Company 101st Sustainment Brigade. "It shows what our culture is about, and it makes people aware of traditions and customs."
A fellow non-commissioned officer agreed.
"You never realize how many Asian Pacific people there are in the military until there is an event like this," said Army Staff Sgt. Patty Troutman, who is from Thailand. "It is the first time I participated in Asian Pacific Heritage month and I just sat back and watched in awe as everyone's hard work came together."
The 'hard work' was rewarded by a tent filled to capacity with servicemembers who supported the event and who came to appreciate the different cultures of the Asian Pacific Region.
| Date Taken: | 05.28.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2008 14:11 |
| Story ID: | 20029 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 80 |
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