Fort celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By Joan VaseyOctober 7, 2015

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1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sarah Pacheco, representative for Congresswoman Martha McSally, gives remarks on the congresswoman's behalf during Fort Huachuca's Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 30, 2015 at the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre. Members of the Fort Huachuca and local ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Representatives of the Sierra Vista and Tucson Ballroom Dance School performed six Spanish dance numbers showcasing different dance genres during Fort Huachuca's Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 30., 2015 at the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre. Here, m... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - Fort Huachuca's Military Equal Opportunity team welcomed members of the fort and local communities to a celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture at the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre Sept. 30 to enhance knowledge and awareness of Hispanic culture.

The theme of this year's DOD observance, "Hispanic Americans: Energizing our Nation's Diversity," harkens to the vibrant and thriving contributions of Hispanics to our nation across the centuries, according to a DOD release issued Sept. 18. The celebration seeks to draw attention to the diversity and countless contributions Hispanics continue to make to enrich the United States and strengthen the defense of the nation.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover the 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

Sept. 15 is a significant day because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period, according to the website hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on the United States through their historically strong commitment to Family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin."

According to this census, 50.5 million people or 16 percent of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13 percent of the total U.S. population.

The celebration on post began with the national anthem, sung by Sgt. 1st Class Veronica Pruitt, Military Equal Opportunity advisor, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade. An invocation given by Chaplain (Col.) Kim Norwood, installation staff chaplain, followed. Col. Todd Berry, chief of staff, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, welcomed visitors during his opening remarks. Then, Sarah Pacheco, representative for Congresswoman Martha McSally, gave remarks of support on the congresswoman's behalf.

"Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history and culture of Americans of Hispanic descent," she said. "During this time we also recognize and honor five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their Independence in the month of September. The United States is a stronger, more diverse, more vibrant country thanks to the influence and hard work of Hispanic Americans over generations. Although we come from diverse backgrounds, we all share common hopes and aspirations while striving for the American Dream.

"Hispanic Americans have served with honor and distinction in every conflict since the Revolutionary War and they have made countless contributions to our society throughout our history as entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, athletes, scientists and much more," Pacheco added. "Many entities have turned their focus this year to recognizing Hispanic American Individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

"[On behalf of Congresswoman Martha McSally], thank you Fort Huachuca for paying tribute to our Hispanic community and we honor the Hispanic Americans who continue to serve our country and participate in our society ensuring that we remain diverse and our culture, ever vibrant." Pacheco said.

Representatives of the Sierra Vista and Tucson Ballroom Dance School performed several Spanish dance numbers showcasing different genres of dance and then, to the delight of participants, their final dance with volunteer or reluctant members of the audience whose friends or co-workers cheered them on.

Finally, guest speaker Lea Marquez Peterson, president and CEO, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 2009, gave a brief presentation.

"I'm representing the Hispanic business community; we are building the Hispanic heritage for the future. Those who came before did it for us and we are continuing to build the Hispanic heritage.

"Instead of repeating of what everybody else giving the standard speech about the facts for Hispanic Heritage, culture and history , I want to tell you how the Hispanic heritage and culture impacted and has been part of my life, I just want to tell you the story of one little Hispanic girl who has a dream and aspiration," Peterson added.

She spoke of her Family as entrepreneurs in the copper mining industry and of their life as a Family and the importance of "la Familia" to Hispanics. She described the value of folklore, fun festivals, colors, song and dance as well as Hispanic food and flavors.

Pacheco explained the importance of education and controlling one's destiny by dressing well and doing one's best.

She spoke of the new generation and said the Hispanics' average age in Arizona is 28 compared to the average age of 45. Pacheco explained that Hispanics still lack sufficient representation in Corporate America although it is predicted that Hispanics in Arizona's future workforce will be a majority by 2035.

Next, the event wound down with closing remarks by Berry and an awards presentations to speakers and dance performers, the audience was treated to a sampling of traditional Hispanic foods, including beef gorditas, beef tostadas, chicken taquitos, Spanish rice, and chips and salsa.