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Photo by Sean Kief, CECOM PAO
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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The APG community celebrated cultural diversity and unity during the annual Hispanic Heritage Month observance hosted by the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command in the Myer Auditorium Sept. 25, 2024.
The event featured remarks, cultural dances, food tasting, and educational displays. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” which embodies the innovative and resilient spirit of the Hispanic community.
Each year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Department of Defense celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizing the rich history, tradition, and cultural diversity of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This observance honors inspirational Americans who trace their origins or descent to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
CECOM Commanding General and Senior Commander of APG Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV, the host of the event, welcomed the audience. He said approximately 170,000 active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve Soldiers come from Hispanic or Latin American descent, which is about 18% of the entire force.
Turinetti said he served in the U.S. Southern Command, which is based in Greater Miami, Florida. With about 70% of the city’s residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Turinetti said he was the only native English speaker in his neighborhood. This experience led him to a better understanding of other cultures, which he described as an “incredible opportunity.” He challenged attendees to learn more about other cultures as well.
Turinetti concluded by saying all Army Soldiers, civilians, and contractors are valuable contributors to the Army’s mission.
“They all bring unique backgrounds and perspectives that make the Army stronger,” he said.
Celebrating diversity
Liz Miranda, deputy to the CECOM commanding general, served as the guest speaker. According to Miranda, the U.S. Army reflects the diverse nation it serves.
“It is one of the reasons we have the best Army in the world,” Miranda said.
Miranda said Hispanics and Latinos are considered the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S., and the population continues to grow. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, more than 62 million people identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino. That is a 23% increase from the previous census.
“There is no doubt that young Hispanic and Latino Americans will continue to contribute in greater numbers to the success of this nation,” she said.
Miranda said Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating an inclusive America, a country that welcomes diversity and honors our accomplishments.
“Together, let’s create a future that is even brighter than our past,” Miranda said.
Another highlight of the program was cultural performances. Wilma Solivan, retired CECOM division chief, introduced Divine Dance Group, a Baltimore-based organization that aims to share diversity and culture through dance.
Performers in the Divine Dance Group represented Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Spain, Honduras, and Peru, while Solivan gave a short description of each country or territory.
“We hope that you were able to gain a greater understanding of the uniqueness of each Hispanic country,” Solivan said.
Dr. Aitza Haddad Nuñez, administrative director for the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs and the Governor’s Commission on Caribbean Affairs, gave closing remarks.
“Today, as we reflect on our theme, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,’ we must recognize that each of us plays a crucial role in this journey,” Nuñez said. “Progress does not happen in isolation, it is the result of collective action, shared goals, and a commitment to building bridges across our differences.”
The program concluded with Maryland Secretary of Human Services Rafael Lopez and Nuňez presenting a proclamation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to Turinetti and CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty. This proclamation declared Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Maryland.
To view photos from the event, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cecom/albums
To view a video of the Hispanic Heritage Month Observance, visit:
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