Published: Monday, Nov. 02, 2009 / Updated: Monday, Nov. 02, 2009 02:05 PM
Here's why we celebrate Hispanic culture
More than a few readers are not aware that the history of the United States did not actually begin at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Why do history text books fall short to tell us that while the Pilgrims were under duress to preserve their small colony, Spanish towns were growing and thriving in Florida, the Southwest and Puerto Rico?
Why historians have preferred to totally ignore the fact that in 1526, in Georgia, San Miguel de Guadalupe became the first European settlement in North America is baffling. This happened only 81 years before Jamestown!
Perhaps some are aware that the money used to finance the battle of Yorktown came from Cuba's public treasury and from private citizens of Havana, Cuba? Another interesting fact is that this money was collected in only five hours!
During World War II, more than 400 Hispanics served in the U.S. Armed forces. During the Korean war, thousands of Hispanics contributed by serving. Thousands of Hispanics were also involved in the Vietnam War. Among them was a decorated pilot by the name of Everett Alvarez, who spent eight and-a-half years as a prisoner of war. Also during the Gulf War, 25,000 Hispanics served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Hispanics have made permanent contributions in the arts. Marisol is a contemporary sculptor who is a U.S. citizen of Venezuelan heritage. The works of this brilliant sculptor are on display in a great number of the world's most famous museums among the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
One can only wonder why historians have elected not to acknowledge the contributions Hispanics have made to the United States of America. The new generation of Hispanic Americans is entitled to learn about the many contributions in a wide range of fields that the Hispanic culture has been involved in the United States. This neglect should be corrected because by becoming informed, the Hispanic youth's self-esteem and cultural pride encourages them to have a better appreciation of their great heritage.
Latin Americans living in the United States are so different from each other and while coming from a multitude of cultures, experiences and educational backgrounds, there are some commonalities that are shared such as: moral values, pride in heritage, culture, family unity, ambition to succeed and strong Christian beliefs in the God of the Bible.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this is a but a brief primer on what we have to celebrate.
Jenny Carroll is a business and educational consultant, Spanish translator, interpreter, instructor and speaker. She can be reached at Gua3456@aol.com.
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