Hispanic Heritage Month finale planned for Thursday

Maxwell Air Force Base celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The month honors the achievements and cultural heritage of Hispanic citizens in the United States. The base community has celebrated this year's theme, "Many Backgrounds, Many Stories, One American Spirit," with a mariachi band, food and fun at Maxwell base exchange and a Hispanic cultural display at the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center. (Courtesy illustration)

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Hispanic Heritage Month finale planned for Thursday

Published Oct. 7, 2011
By Christopher Kratzer
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Maxwell has been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The month honors the achievements and cultural heritage of Hispanics in the U.S. The base community has celebrated this year's theme, "Many Backgrounds, Many Stories, One American Spirit," with a mariachi band, food and fun at Maxwell base exchange and a Hispanic cultural display at the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center. The month will end with salsa dancing and food tasting at Maxwell Event Center 11 a.m. Thursday.

Linda Long, director of the 42nd Air Base Wing Equal Opportunity Office and the head of the Hispanic Heritage Month committee, said planning the events gave her a unique insight into the impact Hispanics have made on our country.

"We live in a highly diversified society, and I think we sometimes fail to recognize the achievements and contributions others make to that society," she said. "Planning the events of this special observance offered me an increased knowledge of the Hispanic cultural and achievements. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to enhance our awareness of their background and to embrace and appreciate our differences."

In President Barack Obama's proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month, he also emphasized the important impact Hispanics have had on American culture.

"America is a richer and more vibrant country because of the contributions of Hispanics, and during National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact they have made on our nation," he said. "Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. "

Long hopes the finale will be as spectacular as the kickoff.

"The Hispanic Heritage Month 'Kickoff' was an awesome event," she said. "The HHMC committee is look forwarding to an equally awesome finale. We want to diversify the taste buds of the Maxwell community and wow them with the opportunity to learn some moves on the dance floor."