Equal Opportunity

OBSERVANCES
by Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Drayton
2nd BCT equal opportunity advisor

As we close out on this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, which ran from September 15th to October 15th, I would like everyone to focus on the reason that these observances were established by Public Law. To often people believe that these observances are times set aside for that particular ethnic group to celebrate their heritage. However, while that is a part of the observance, the overall goal of these observances is to increase everyone else’s awareness and knowledge of the culture, diversity, and accomplishments that these rich cultures have contributed to the United States of America. Together, all of these contributions have made us the greatest nation in the world today. Accomplishment of the overall goal does not always have to involve some lavish ceremony or activity, but can be as simple as asking or talking to that individual that is in your team, squad, platoon, etc., that is of that particular ethnic group. So remember, observances are not just celebrations but opportunities to increase awareness. -COMMANDOS