Vicenza celebrates Hispanic heritage

By Laura Kreider, VMC Public Affairs OfficeOctober 13, 2017

Hispanic Heritage
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Hispanic Heritage Month
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Julie A. Saorrono, brigade command sergeant major, 414th Contracting Support Brigade and U.S. Army Garrison Italy Deputy to the Garrison Commander Frank Lands cut the cake after the award presentation. Saorrono was guest speaker for... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICENZA, Italy -- "Shaping the Bright Future of America" is the theme for this year's National Hispanic Heritage Month.

In keeping with this tradition, the Vicenza Military Community members had the opportunity to appreciate various aspects of the history and culture during this year's observance at Hoekstra Field on here Oct. 4.

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. The observance celebrates heritage and culture from Spain; Mexico; the Caribbean; Central and South America.

The observance began in September 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, but later, in 1988, the length of the observance was expanded to monthly starting each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Other countries, including Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day.

In the same year, the Hispanic population reached 7.9 percent of the population in the States with 19.4 million people. Since the 1990s, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there has been an increase, and nowadays, some 55 million people are of Hispanic or Latino origin -- representing the nation's largest minority with 17.6 percent of the total.

The VMC celebration, hosted by U.S. Army Garrison Italy, included a dance presentation with Baile con Sazón Dance team, selections by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Luis Lebron, U.S. Army Africa G-6, and the remarks of guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Julie A. Saorrono, who is currently command sergeant major of the 414th Contracting Support Brigade. The 414th CSB is the premier provider of commercial sustainment and logistics readiness for AFRICAN HORIZONS and the Army team in Africa.

"Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to display the richness and diversity of Spanish and Latin American culture," said Saorrono during her speech.

She continued by saying, "It's a month for wearing ethnic costumes, waving flags and marching in parades. But it should be much more than that. It is often said, 'In order to know where you're going, you have to know who you are and where you came from.'"

Saorrono added that there's nothing wrong with marching in a parade, "but first you have to know why you're marching and just what you are celebrating. Too many Latinos think this is a time to party like there is no mañana [tomorrow].

"However, we must use this month to celebrate and educate our children, Soldiers and ourselves and to give us a chance to not only rejoice over the beauty of our music, language and culture, but to recognize that Latino Americans can facilitate change and increase diversity throughout all sectors of society."

According to Saorrono, Hispanic Soldiers have been critical to the Army and nation's military success. "Latinos have earned over 43 Medals of Honor, more than any other ethnic group.

They have demonstrated in the past and are currently demonstrating, there is nothing we can't do. Our future is bright," she said.

The observance also included closing remarks by Frank Lands, deputy to the garrison commander, USAG Italy, as well as an award presentation and cake cutting, followed by traditional food sampling and music.

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