By Javier D. Martinez, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, NCLR, U.S. Army veteran
As millions of Americans plan their Memorial Day weekend activities, NCLR would like to take the time to remember our Latino men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
We also commemorate those brave Hispanic men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation. We should never forget the vital role they played in helping all Americans enjoy our basic fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In observance of this day, we call on you to join NCLR in a National Moment of Remembrance, which will take place Monday at 3:00 p.m. local time across the country. Pause for a moment and reflect on the lives of our nation's fallen heroes.
This moment of reflection is the least we can do to honor the lives of these brave Latino men and women, but we must also remember those who continue to serve honorably at home and abroad. Today, more than 1.3 million Latinos serve in our armed forces and almost 16 percent of all newly enlisted, active duty members of all branches of the military are Hispanic. We are also veterans. In 2009, 1.1 million Latinos were veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, and that number continues to grow.
NCLR stands committed to ensuring that all of our service members, veterans, and their families are honored for their selfless service to our country. We will not forget the daily sacrifices they made, and continue to make, so that their fellow Americans can share in and enjoy the American Dream.
Remember to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time, Monday, May 28.
This was first posted to the NCLR Blog.
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Organizations like NCLR. The longer they can keep us divided the longer there's a use for them and similar groups.
It was fun, but I will never do that again, but in the military we all had fun. GOD BLESS OUR LATINA MEN AND WOMEN IN THE MILITARY, they are the best.
The grave markers of these American warriors are not inscribed "Hispanic -- Black -- White -- Asian -- Catholic -- Protestant -- or Jewish. They are not distinguished or identified by nationality....are they? The word "Hispanic" "Irish" " Italian" "Asian" "African" etc. are not chiseled on their grave markers....are they?
The only place race and nationality are chiseled is in your liberal, progressive, foggy mind. You and the intolerant,NCLR are using this most sacred American day of remembrance and as a political event. Have you no shame left at all?
Latinos have given tremendously to war efforts over the years. As we remember the men and women who are giving their all today, the above-cited is a moving, well-written, and thorough read on those who gave in decades past.
Gracias, veterans, y respeto--
K.
Don't you get it Kali? Are you that parochial that you believe only Hispanics should be recognized for wartime achievements? Don't you get it?
Am I parochial? I am multilingual, have lived in three different countries in my life (and in more than half a dozen states in the US), and I hold a doctorate. It's safe to say that I am an educated, cultured woman.
And you?
As far as "getting it" is concerned, I have publications on topics that range from the Spanish Civil War (my area) to the subject of Latinos in the United States (specifically, Chicanos).
So "getting it"? I'd say that I do.
And you?
If you were to read Mariscal's book, you'd learn how the Viet Nam War was a crucial moment in Chicano history. It was a defining moment for many. Mexican American families were patriotic and ready to give their children to the war effort. This book looks at how the soldiers and nurses and people left stateside were affected. Chicano history is often overlooked; this text attempts to rectify that. From the American Civil War on forth, there have been brown faces in the ranks. There is nothing hateful, racist, or exclusionary if the Latino community wants to take special pride in their culture and their military history...especially since nobody else would do it for them.
You don't want to hear it, though, do you?
Parochial? Don't get it? You're projecting.
Kali, Ph.D.
By the same token, in the US we honor ours of every race and creed this day. It is a day for EVERYONE of ANY race to remember those that paid the ultimate price for freedom in the US and the world. To try to make it all about one race is the ultimate in disrespect.
Please visit video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ7968BbMnU
Master Sergeant Benevidez call sign "Tango Mike Mike" aka That Mean Mexican
A True American Hero. Tango Mike Mike.
Have a pleasant Memorial Day.
Personally ALL of the Medal of Honor winners are so special and we were blessed to have each of them.
The military people are a family and it does not matter what your race is or your sex or even your branch of service, we all shared something special and I was proud to serve with the finest people I ever met in the world.