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Blackanthem Military News
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Feb 8, 2012 - 5:19:58 PM |
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Hispanic Heritage : Long Knives celebrate culture, diversity
By Sgt. 1st Class Damian Steptore 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Oct 24, 2009 - 6:21:34 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Command Sgt. Major, Command Sgt. Major Edwin Rodriguez and Command Sgt. Major (retired) Richard Hernandez, cut the ceremonial cake during the. "Long Knife" brigade's Hispanic Heritage Observance at the Operation Iraqi Freedom Dining Facility Oct. 15. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st. Class Damian Steptore, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) |
FORT HOOD, Texas - The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division "Long Knives" began their Hispanic Heritage Observance with a short prayer from the brigade's chaplain, Chap. (Capt.) Walter Marshall, and a President Barrack Obama-Proclamation by 2nd Lt. Anthony McFairlane-Gonzalez inside the Brigade's Operation Iraqi Freedom Dining Facility Oct 15.
"As Hispanics continue to enrich our nation's character and shape our common future, they strengthen America's promise," said McFairlane-Gonzalez, while standing at the podium during the event. "To honor the achievements of Hispanics in America, the congress by Public Law 100-402, as amended, has authorized and requested the President to issue annually the proclamation designating Sept. 15. to Oct. 15. as National Hispanic Heritage Month," he continued.
The celebration also included a Latin song from Joshua Garcia, along with traditional Hispanic dishes, to include Mexican chicken, pulupa and enchiladas.
Command Sgt. Major (Retired) Richard Hernandez served as Keynote Speaker, and spoke about how race-relations, in general, have steadily improved in the Military.
"Our barracks back then didn't have televisions, radios or computers," explained Hernandez, as he delivered his speech. "But what we did have was a lot of racial issues."
This former Army Scout, with 30 years of Military service, explained how many of the units at Fort Hood had costertina wire placed throughout the installation with armed guards posted to protect Soldiers from other Soldiers of different races.
"I don't want to forget those times, but I don't want to live in those times, because they were difficult, he said. "I think the theme for Hispanics is the ‘Urgency of Now,' which came from the late Dr. Martin Luther King during his speech about the Vietnam War."
Many of the Long Knife Soldiers in attendance, of various races and colors, agreed with Hernandez.
"Today I think race relations are a lot better than what they used to be," said Staff Sgt. Willette Blackman, from Manassas, Va. "As a black female in the Military, it's been a hard struggle."
"The Hispanic Heritage, and the Black History and the Asian History wasn't recognized like it is today, but now we're being educated on that, and I like that." said Blackman, an automations sergeant with 21 years of military service.
Blackman, along with the rest of the Soldiers, feasted on the Hispanic dishes after the 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div Command Sgt. Major, Command Sgt. Major Edwin Rodriguez and Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Hernandez cut the ceremonial cake.
ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
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| Command Sgt. Major (retired) Richard Hernandez speaks to a group of Soldiers during the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division "Long Knife" Hispanic Heritage Observance at the Operation Iraqi Freedom Dining Facility Oct. 15. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st. Class Damian Steptore, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs) |
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