Marines

Camp Lejeune to host Cultural Heritage Day

22 Oct 2012 | Lance Cpl. Nik S. Phongsisattanak Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

In celebration of the nation’s diversity, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune coordinated its annual Cultural Heritage Day event to be hosted at Marston Pavilion here Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open to all military and civilian personnel, the event provides attendees an opportunity to learn about the history and origin of various cultures and ethnicities. A wide variety of food will feature a taste of flavors from around the world. Cultural display booths will also offer an assortment of items such as jewelry, garments and souvenirs available for purchase.

“The Marine Corps is a cross section of the United States, and this country is a vibrant mixture of culture and history,” said Gunnery Sgt. Harsheen T. Eady, the equal opportunity advisor for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp Lejeune. “To ignore an individual's culture is to ignore their contributions as a whole.  The best way to recognize is to educate, and it’s what a cultural event is all about.”  

Fall’s cold temperatures will wane once inside the event building. Lively entertainment, such as native Hawaiian dance performances brought an exciting and tropical installment to the chilly season last year.

“I expect all who are in attendance for the Multi Cultural Heritage event to gain an experience unique to any other they knew before,” said Gunnery Sgt. Dwrena K Allen, the incoming EOA for MCI East-MCB Camp Lejeune. “I hope they are able to learn more than they did before about another culture, and apply the knowledge in their daily lives.  As long as we are building awareness and teaching one another, we embrace the commandant’s vision to ‘leverage all of our individual differences to achieve the strongest Corps of Marines as we continue our service as America's Expeditionary Force in Readiness.’”  

The occasion presents colorful sights and flavorful tastes for a day of festivities acknowledging and honoring the diverse ethnic and cultural heritage of the nation.

“Cultural awareness and adaptability is important to our organization and society at large because it bridges the gap of uncertainty and dispels the stereotypes that are often associated with various cultures and ethnic groups,” said Allen. “Understanding others and their way of thinking and viewing the world fosters tolerance, unity and understanding.  This awareness provides an opportunity for each of us to learn from one another and synergize our efforts towards accomplishing a common goal.”

The command’s dedication to the event displays their support in promoting the unity of a globalizing world.

“Our rich diversity is what makes the Corp strong,” concluded Eady.