Hispanic heritage celebrated at NAS Jacksonville

The national anthem was delicately performed by Tiffany Richardson, a 12-year old flutist, who is the granddaughter of NAS Jax Security Manager Noemi Verdecias.

The event began with opening remarks from NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson. ''For more than 35 years, the United States has annually celebrated the rich history and cultural traditions of our nation's Hispanic community. We do this not only to express our deep appreciation to Hispanic Americans for their countless contributions to our society, but also to allow those of us from other backgrounds to gain a better understanding of our nation's distinct diversity.''

''Since our nation's founding, Hispanic Americans have played an integral role in our country's exceptional story of success and today, the Hispanic culture continues to shape the American experience. Their contributions reach into every walk of contemporary life and like all Americans, their customs, traditions and history in this country are indelible parts of the American story,'' he continued. ''More than 42 million Americans are of Hispanic origin. Of these, more than 43,000 are Sailors and civilians serving honorably with the United States Navy.''

The guest speaker was Martha Valdes-Pellino, chairwoman of Jacksonville's Hispanic American Advisory Board. ''It is an honor and a privilege to be here today. I am grateful and thankful that the committee has asked me to represent the Hispanic community today.''

During Valdes-Pellino's remarks, she focused on the great strides that the Hispanic community has made through the years. ''It was estimated in 2005 that there were approximately 42.7 million Hispanic-Americans in the United States. In 2002, there were 1.6 million Hispanic owned businesses that generated 222 billion dollars in revenue,'' she said.

''The United States has a rich history that goes back more than 220 years. Hispanics have always played major roles in building this country and making it a better place. From the Revolutionary War that freed the United States from England, to the Persian Gulf War, Hispanics have proudly served this country in the Armed Forces. Throughout history, Hispanics

SN Rebecca Davila and J.P. Moran take a minute to cut up the dance floor during the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon Oct. 12.

have prominently participated in building the west by adding their contributions to numerous areas in medicine and science, entertainment, business, education, civil rights and politics and even the great American pastime, baseball.''

The guests were then treated to a Latin-style buffet that included a variety of traditional dishes from various featured Hispanic nationalities. ''The food was great and I really enjoyed getting the chance to try something new,'' stated IT1 Corey Mcoy from the NAS Jax Security Manager's office.

Following lunch, guest performers from The Universal Ballroom Company lit up the dance floor with time-honored dances that expressed the vitality and passion of the Hispanic culture. The dancers, Robert Gonzales and his partner. Melissa Armacoste, fervently danced the merenge, a ballroom dance of Haitian and Dominican Republic origin and the salsa, a passionate dance that incorporates popular music of Latin American origin and has absorbed characteristics of rhythm and blues, jazz and rock.

In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to declare a week in September for Hispanic observance.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the observance to be held Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Each year, the Navy takes the month to specifically celebrate the contributions that thousands of Hispanic military servicemen and women have unselfishly given to our nation.