Madigan Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Story by: Madigan Strategic Communication Office

Photo by: Jay Ebbeson

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord "Z Team" performs a dance routine along with some unexpected help from Landen Watkins, aged three.

Madigan Healthcare System celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an observance in the medical center's medical mall Wednesday that included dancing and food tasting. "Our Army would not be as strong without the vast Hispanic contributions," remarked Madigan Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew T. Brady. Brady also went on to explain that usually ethnic observances are for a full, single month. Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrating its 24th year now, begins in the middle of September and ends on October 15. This is to help honor and recognize five Latin American countries that declared their independence from Spain during various years, but all on September 15. Additionally, Brady mentioned that Mexico declared its independence on September 16, which is why Hispanic Heritage Month spans two months. Guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj.(retired) Victor Martinez spoke of his pride in seeing the impacts of Hispanics in the Army, America and the world. "The fact is that the contributions of Hispanics to the life of our nation and the profile of the world are undisputable," Martinez said. "Hispanic civilization has helped shape the geopolitical and political landscape of the globe," concluded Martinez, who was a field artilleryman by trade. This year's theme is "diversity united, building America's future today."