Marines

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Dozens of service members and civilians came together to kick off and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month during the Hispanic Heritage Month Observance and Special Emphasis Event at the Paradise Point Officer’s Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 15. The event commemorated the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestry is traced to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sean Berry)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Sean Berry

Hispanic Heritage Month at Camp Lejeune

23 Sep 2016 | Lance Cpl. Sean Berry Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Dozens of service members and civilians came together to kick off and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month during the Hispanic Heritage Month Observance and Special Emphasis Event at the Paradise Point Officer’s Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 15.

"The purpose of today was to bring together the community and highlight all the Hispanics and their contributions to America," said Luis J. Alers-De Jesus, retirement services officer for Marine Corps Installations East – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. "This event was to keep remembering our heritage and our history, although we’re all Americans."

The event recognized the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestry is traced to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

"It important that today was to recognize the Hispanics in the Department of Defense to ensure that we as a community recognize the many contributions that we as a culture have made in this country," said Master Sgt. Rudy Cruz, an Equal Opportunity Advisor with 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

The event included a historical review of Hispanic Heritage in America, including the many different types of dances from various cultures for different types of Hispanic music.

"It’s not just one particular race that makes this country great," said Alers-De Jesus. "It is everyone’s different cultures and contributions that make this country what it is; the United States is a melting pot of people and I’m just glad to be able to celebrate our heritage and our people."

Sept. 15 was the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and also marked the Independence Day for several Hispanic countries. Patrons from many of these countries, both military and civilian, had the opportunity to share in one of the many cultures that make up this country.

"When you educate yourself about the culture, you’ll find out a lot about what Hispanics have brought to the United States in terms of inventions and ideas," said Cruz. "This was a good event today, this should definitely be continued not only to recognize Hispanic Heritage, but all the cultures in the DOD."