Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Published
  • By Ramstein Multicultural Committee
  • 435 ABW/EO
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 National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year's theme is "Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation". 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% of the nation's total population. (This estimate does not include the 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico.

- 64% -- The percentage of Hispanic-origin people in households who are of Mexican descent. Approximately 10 percent are of Puerto Rican backgrounds, with about 3 percent from Cuban, Salvadoran and Dominican origins. The remainders 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:

The Ramstein Multicultural Committee in conjunction with the Hispanic Heritage Committee will have the following events planned to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. If anyone is interested in volunteering with any of the events, contact Maj. Jileene Vivians at 489-8563 or by e-mail at jileene.vivians@ramstein.af.mil.

Kick Off Event
The KMC will kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month with Family Night Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. at the Ramstein Enlisted Club. There will be crafts, games, dancing and piñatas. There will be a $1 fee for adults (kids are free) to offset the price of materials for the crafts. This event is open to all ranks and families.

Latina Noche Blanca
The Hispanic Heritage Committee will host "Latina Noche Blanca" (Latin White Night) at the Ramstein Enlisted Club Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear white clothing, but it is not mandatory. Come celebrate the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month with DJ music and dancing. There will be a best dress male and female contest and a dance contest. This event is open to all ranks. For more information, contact Ben Rosales at 478-2278 or by e-mail at benjamin.rosales @ramstein.af.mil.

Hispanic Heritage Banquet
The Hispanic Heritage Banquet will be held Oct. 25 at the Ramstein Officers' Club at 6 p.m. The event will include dinner, entertainment, guest speaker, prize giveaways and open dancing. Babysitting will be provided on-site for a fee. Tickets will be available starting mid September from squadron Ramstein Multicultural Committee Representatives or by contacting Ben Rosales at 478-2778 or by e-mail at benjamin.rosales@ramstein.af.mil.

Community Education/Outreach
Volunteers will also participate in library readings and a high/elementary school event. The purpose is to educate the entire KMC on Hispanic Heritage.