Twitter
Facebook
by Capt. Erin Dorrance
Kaiserslautern American
The United States has annually celebrated the history and cultural traditions of the nation’s Hispanic people for more than 30 years. The weeks of Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 have been set aside to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. This year’s theme is, “Making a Positive Impact on American Society.” KMC servicemembers and their families are invited to celebrate with special events and activities.
By the numbers
42.7 million – The estimated Hispanic population of the U.S. as of July 1, 2005, making Hispanics the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics make up 14 percent of the nation’s total population. (This estimate does not include the 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico)
64 percent − The percentage of Hispanic-origin people in households who are of Mexican descent. Approximately 10 percent are of Puerto Rican background, with about three percent each of Cuban, Salvadoran and Dominican origins. The remainder are from other Central American, South American or other Hispanic or Latino origins.
13 − The number of states with at least half a million Hispanic residents. These states include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Washington.
1.1 million − The number of Hispanic veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
(Information courtesy U.S. Census Bureau)
Events
Hispanic Heritage Committee
The Hispanic Heritage Committee meets at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Pizza Gallerie in the Ramstein Community Center to discuss plans for Hispanic Heritage Month. The committee is open to everyone. For more information, call Ben Rosales at 478-2778 or Tech. Sgt. Maria Duluc at 479-2566, or e-mail maria.duluc@ramstein.af.mil.
Celebration kick-off
The Hispanic Heritage Committee will host “La Noche Blanca” (White Night) from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Ramstein Enlisted Club. Everyone is encouraged to wear white clothing, but it is not mandatory. Come celebrate the kick-off of Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food and live entertainment. This event is open to all ranks. For more information, contact Ben Rosales at 478-2278 or e-mail benjamin.rosales@ramstein.af.mil.
Dancers needed
If you would like to perform traditional Hispanic dances at the Hispanic Heritage Banquet Oct. 6, contact Staff Sgt. Harvey Muñoz at 480-2257 or e-mail harvey.munoz@ramstein.af.mil.
Hispanic Heritage Banquet
The Hispanic Heritage Banquet is from 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Ramstein Officers’ Club. The event will include dinner, entertainment and a guest speaker. Tickets will be available starting mid-September at various locations around the KMC or by contacting Tech. Sgt. Maria Duluc at 479-2566 or e-mail maria.duluc@ramstein.af.mil.
