Photo By Staff Sgt. Tori Miller | Mariachi Amigoz de Taylor Fuentes performed during the National Hispanic Heritage...... read more read more
Subscribe
The Georgia National Guard celebrated the diverse and rich Hispanic heritage during the Hispanic Heritage Month Observance at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga. on Sept. 18, 2019.
“All around our organization we have the opportunity to see people that come from around the world and all different backgrounds,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden, Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard. “This is a very important celebration because it represents the strength within our organization. A lot of people talk about diversity, but we live it every single day.”
President Lyndon Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. The observance is recognized from September 15 – October 15. Currently there is approximately 13.2% Air and 5.6% Army, Georgia National Guardsmen serving.
The observance featured guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Ret. Carmen Morales, and a performance by Mariachi Amigoz de Taylor Fuentes.
Morales served 27 years in the United States Army. During her tenure, she served in many different positions and continuously challenged the military’s roles regarding diversity and inclusion. In 2011, Morales became the first female Command Sergeant Major in the history of the Georgia National Guard.
“We are here to celebrate the contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America,” said Morales. “When we speak of Hispanic heritage we speak of a rich, diverse cultural legacy.”
During the observance, a static display of 15 country’s flags stood in the front of the room, proudly showing just how diverse Hispanic heritage is. Morales spoke of Hispanic-American citizens throughout American history that have paved the way through selfless actions. She also stated that while the Hispanic heritage is diverse, every Latino shares similar core beliefs and pride for their history.
“In our multi-cultural society, diversity makes us strong,” said Morales. “Hispanic peoples have a long and proud history and have contributed greatly to our society, helping us thrive as a strong nation.”
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2019 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 341962 |
| Location: | ATLANTA, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Georgia National Guard Hispanic Heritage Month Observation, by SSG Tori Miller, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT