The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) held a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on the ship's mess decks, Sept. 15.

The celebration was held in commemoration of the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan on Aug. 17, 1988. Sept. 15 is also the day Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua gained their independence.

During the ship's ceremony, the mixed crowd of Sailors and Marines was treated to a brief lesson in Hispanic history, dance performances from two Bataan Sailors, three key note speakers and a cake cutting ceremony.

"There was a lot of struggle for many of the Hispanics that came before us," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Jesus Lopez, one of the keynote speakers of the night's events. "Remembering their struggles and sacrifices helps us know where we came from, and also helps us to shape and mold our future."

Chief Information Systems Technician Carlos Moreira, born and raised in El Salvador, said in his speech at the ceremony that he learned more about the different Hispanic cultures other than his own after joining the Navy and being stationed in Florida.

Bataan Heritage Committee Coordinator Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Hawa Riley said the ceremony, and the others like it, serve as just another reminder of how diversity plays such a big role in today's Navy.

"It is very important we celebrate heritage from around the world because today's Navy consists of all colors, cultures and people of the world, and [the ceremony] serves as another way to educate or cross train on cultural observances and remembrance," said Riley. "The Navy should continue to celebrate all people. To my Hispanic Sailors and Marines, the heritage committee celebrates with you and thanks you for your services."

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