2CR honors Hispanic Heritage Month

Photo By Staff Sgt. Timothy Hamlin | U.S. Army Spc. Henry Barrios, Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, poses for a photo in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, August 29, 2019. Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins September 15 and ends October 15 each year, is a celebration of the Hispanic presence and a way to recognize the contributions that have been made. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Timothy Hamlin, 2d Cavalry Regiment)  

VILSECK, BY, GERMANY

08.29.2019

Story by 1st Lt. John Baisley 

2d Cavalry Regiment

Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15 each year, is a celebration of the Hispanic heritage and a way to honor the contributions Hispanic and Latino Americans have made in the community.

“Hispanic Heritage Month means to me a month of just celebrating all [of] the different cultures and traditions and learning about the history of Hispanics,” said Spc. Henry Barrios, a member of the Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, whose family originates from El Salvador and Guatemala. “I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by having a big dinner and spending time with family.”

This month is a chance to educate individuals on the history of Hispanic culture and traditions. It is important to educate not only outside communities but also future generations of Hispanics, as well, to ensure that the customs continue.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for the Hispanic community to demonstrate where they come from, their values [and] their beliefs – things that we have lost in the past to people that don’t know,” explained Sgt. Maj. Raul Rivas, RHHT, RSS 2CR. “It is an opportunity to show where I come from.”

Rivas’ family originates from Honduras.

With its roots dating back to 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month affords Soldiers the opportunity to share in this special tribute by learning about the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have impacted our nation.

“I think it is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because I feel like it’s a way to show that the hardships that we’ve gone through and the customs and traditions that we’ve shared don’t go unnoticed,” said with Spc. Denice Lopez, Training Support Activity Europe, 7th Army Training Command, whose family originates from Mexico.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2019
• Date Posted: 09.04.2019 05:26
• Story ID: 337834
• Location: VILSECK, BY, DE