Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

By Eric PilgrimSeptember 28, 2018

Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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Fort Knox turns up the volume for Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
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FORT KNOX, Kentucky -- The Duarte family sat in the corner, watching as sisters Soleil Mantejano and Yolanda Duarte moved gracefully and beautifully across the wood floor at Saber & Quill. The two dancers took turns performing for the large crowd that had gathered Sept. 28, 2018 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hosted by U.S. Army Recruiting Command, hundreds packed into a large ballroom at the club to experience some of what more than 12 percent of the U.S. military population call their heritage.

From start to finish, music anchored the lunchtime celebration, which included special music by Fred Marerro and Salsa Rhythms, and salsa lessons performed by Louisville instructor Chelsey Owen.

Brigadier Gen. Kevin Vereen, deputy commanding general of Operations at USAREC, welcomed everyone to the festivities and provided a brief history lesson.

"One of the reasons that our nation is so diverse is because as people from different cultures come to the United States, they maintain their identity and culture … and pass it on to their children," Vereen said.

Vereen praised Hispanics for selfless service to the nation within the ranks of the military.

"Hispanic veterans have served with honor and distinction in every conflict since the American Revolutionary War," said Vereen.

After speaking, Vereen introduced the Capt. Americo Cruz Jr.

An 18 1/2-year veteran of the Louisville Fire Department and Engine Company 22 commander, Cruz said it was an honor to address the military crowd.

"It means a lot being recognized as being a Hispanic that's done some good for the community," said Cruz, before the ceremony.

Cruz gave credit for his success to his family members, who encouraged him along the way.

"The Hispanic community always has that grandmother or grandfather or that uncle who we looked up to for doing things for our community, for our families," Cruz said. "It's an honor to be here and be one of those individuals who is taking the torch now to enlighten everybody, and enhance our values and our cultures."