JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Joint Base San Antonio honored the rich history, traditions and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
National Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long observance in 1968. Since then, it has expanded to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. More than 50.5 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2010 census, making Hispanics a significant cultural presence in the United States, according to the National Endowment for the Humanities website, http://edsitement.neh.gov/.
JBSA-Lackland hosted several free events in honor of the Hispanic Heritage Month to include multiple showings of documentaries about Latin music, a Latin dance night and a Hispanic heritage luncheon.
The final event was a Hispanic heritage and Culture Expo which provided the opportunity for base personnel to learn about the culture while sampling Latin American cuisine.
“We had artifacts from different countries, a dance from Columbian students, poetry from Mexico and international foods,” said Tech. Sgt. Arroyo Mercado, Inter-American Air Forces Academy instructor.
“This is not only to get awareness, but to become united and stand side-by-side with individuals from different cultures,” he continued. “There are not only Hispanics here (at these events); we have people from all cultures and backgrounds.”