By Tim Cherry
Staff writer
Thursday, October 4, 2012

Performers from Fiesta DC and DC Hippodrome Variety Show Entertainment headline Fort Belvoir’s cultural observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., in Fort Belvoir’s Community Center.

The two Latin entertainment performance companies, will teach Hispanic history through narration and performing salsa, samba, merengue and other Hispanic dances. Performers will interact with, and encourage, audience members to participate.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is the focal point of the garrison’s effort to highlight the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the U.S.

Sgt. 1st Class Mark Roberts, Equal Opportunity Office advisor, guarantees a festive time.

“It’s going to be very educational and entertaining,” Roberts said.

The cultural observance also includes a reading of President Barack Obama’s presidential proclamation, educational display tables highlighting Hispanic American history and a variety of Hispanic dishes.

Sample food includes, chimichangas rolls, chili, enchiladas, tortillas, black beans, various salsas and Hispanic-style desserts.

“You’ll feel the Hispanic taste once you try it,” Roberts said. “I have no doubt that it will be excellent.”

Roberts encourages people to attend, celebrate and learn about Hispanic culture.

National Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, according to the Library of Congress.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.

This year’s theme is “Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today.” The theme promotes the benefits of a united and diverse workforce by encouraging a reflection of Hispanic American contributions in the development of the nation.

Roberts said these contributions range from education to law enforcement. Roberts believes Hispanic influence increases the country’s cultural diversity, which helps propel the nation forward.

“America itself is a melting pot. Without the contributions of Hispanics, the country wouldn’t be as rich and vibrant as it is,” Roberts said. “Every aspect that has shaped America, I promise you, there’s a Hispanic-American who’s had a hand involved in it.”

The task of highlighting Hispanic contributions to the U.S. during Belvoir’s cultural observance rests on the feet, hips, hands and narrating skills of the Fiesta DC and DC Hippodrome performers. Fiesta DC performs music, folklore, theater and other performing arts during the annual Latin Festivals celebrating Hispanic heritage. The DC Hippodrome performs dance entertainment for special events. Roberts said the performers’ cultural lesson will include various costume changes representing different Hispanic countries and a narrator will provide remarks on the instrumentation for each music style and a breakdown of the basic steps for each dance.

Sgt. First Class Ebonie Washington, EOO advisor, encourages people to attend the observance.

“We can never know too much,” Washington said. “There’s a lot different education that could impact everyone on a daily basis.”