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Pearl Harbor Observes Hispanic Heritage Month
Story Number: NNS041004-07
Release Date: 10/4/2004 6:38:00 PM
By Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Gregory Bookout, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Naval Station Pearl Harbor Hawaii paid tribute to the rich history of Hispanic Americans through celebration of Hispanic heritage at Ward Field Sept. 24.
The festival included a look into the history, achievements and culture of these storied people. Featured speakers included region Command Master Chief Lou R. Cruz, Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician James Harris, Chief Navy Counselor Rueben Hillerio, Naval Station Cmdr. (Chaplain) Patrick McCormick with the invocation and Naval Station Executive Officer Cmdr. Richard Verbeke.
Verbeke noted the impact that Sailors of all backgrounds have on bettering the United States as a whole.
“We, in the United States, benefit from a very strong nation, a very rich nation, but very young nation,” said Verbeke. “We are a melting pot where people have come from all around the world to enjoy a free country which we defend every day. Hispanics have a rich heritage, which includes a secretary of the Army, Navy and many admirals and generals,” he explained.
One such famous Hispanic admiral is David Farragut, credited with one of the most famous quotes in naval history during the battle of Mobile Bay, saying, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”
Other important Hispanics discussed included Hispanic astronauts, those in government, the 41 Medal of Honor awardees, scientists, inventors, and those who attained fame in arts and literature.
A Spanish poem was delivered by Hilerio and translated by Storekeeper 3rd Class Maria Vasquez.
Following the formal ceremony, Mexican food from La Familia Restaraunte Mexicano and members of the Naval Station multicultural committee was provided.
Sailors attending the ceremony noted the importance of holding ceremonies celebrating the many cultures that make up today’s Navy.
“You have to be proud of where you come from,” said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Ramon Garcia of Naval Station port operations. “We were born in the United States and are all Americans, but you have to keep your roots and remember where you came from. These celebrations are important, so we can learn about people’s cultures around us and enrich our knowledge over their backgrounds,” he remarked.
Cruz delivered a message stating the importance of strengthening the Navy family through its diverse structure.
“Family is not limited to just the people you grew up with,” said Cruz. “Family doesn’t just mean your mother, father, brothers, sisters or even cousins, but all the people around you in your life. This means the people on your ship, in your squadron, on your submarine or wherever you work,” Cruz explained. “The armed forces contain almost 200,000 people of Latino decent. Diversity makes for a stronger Navy and a stronger unity, as we stand together shoulder to shoulder to defend freedom and democracy around the world.”
For related news, visit the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrh.
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