USA: Center for Service Support Celebrates Hispanic Culture, History

Center for Service Support (CSS) Sailors and civilian employees observed Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 19.

With a national theme of “Hispanics: Serving and Leading Our Nation with Pride and Honor,” the observance celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The U.S. government first officially celebrated Hispanic heritage in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a week in mid-September to be National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the observance to a full month. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

“We celebrate the things that make our country great, and to educate others about our history and culture,” said Command Master Chief (SW/SCW/AW) Ray Rosado.

“Hispanic Sailors represent our culture,” said Rosado. “Numerous nationalities come together to share ideas and concepts. I encourage our Sailors and civilians who are not Hispanic to learn about the many facets of Hispanic culture.”

According to 2010 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics comprise 16.3 percent of the total United States population, or 50.5 million people, forming our county’s largest racial or ethnic minority. Additionally, it is projected that by 2050, a quarter of the nation’s workforce will be Hispanic.

“You cannot accurately tell the story of the Navy unless you discuss the achievements of Hispanic Sailors,” said Rosado. “Hispanics have a vibrant legacy throughout history. One of the best examples of a Hispanic-American Sailor is Adm. David Farragut.”

Adm. David Farragut was the Navy’s first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral. He is famously remembered in popular culture for his order at the Battle of Mobile Bay, usually paraphrased: “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

“It’s important to know your history,” said Rosado. “Hispanics have been here from the Navy’s early beginnings and will play a pivotal role in its future.”

CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet’s warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand-in-hand with the fleet and are dedicated to ensure training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities.

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Press Release, September 20, 2013; Image: US Navy