USNA News Article

Naval Academy Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

September 20, 2012

By MC2 Alexia Riveracorrea

The Naval Academy held its 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration Sept. 19 with dance demonstrations in Smoke Hall and a gathering of midshipmen, faculty and staff.

The national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

“We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month at the Naval Academy to recognize the large Hispanic and Latin population that has a burning desire to serve our country and pay back the people of the United States for all the privileges and the benefits and the access to education and freedom that they possibly wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Lt. Beau Portillo, 30th Company Officer and officer representative for the brigade’s Latin American Club and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

The tradition of observing Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson designated a week in mid-September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, the event was extended to a month to honor the achievements and contributions of the Hispanic population in the U.S.

“An event like this is when you really understand what family and culture is all about. Culture is something that resides in each and every one of us. It is truly independent of where we are from, color or race; it’s about mutual respect, understanding and family,” said Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. Robert E. Clark II.

According to 2010 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics comprise 16.3 percent of the total U.S. population, or 50.5 million people, forming the county’s largest racial or ethnic minority. Additionally, it is projected that by 2050, a quarter of the nation’s workforce will be Hispanic.

The Navy’s workforce reflects this diversity. More than 58,000 Hispanic active duty and Reserve sailors and officers and nearly 15,000 Hispanic civilians serve in the Navy Total Force, including four Hispanic flag officers and 172 Hispanic master chiefs.

Navy Administration Message 303/10 encourages all Navy commands to increase their knowledge and awareness of Hispanic culture and contributions by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through programs, exhibits, publications and participation in military and community events recognizing the diversity of the U.S. population and the Navy.