ALCOAST 332/21 - SEP 2021 CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE AND HOPE

R 131400Z SEP 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 332/21
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE AND HOPE
1. Our Nation sets aside the month between September 15 and
October 15 to annually highlight and emphasize the importance
of American citizens whose ancestry traces to Spain, Mexico,
the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Activities
during National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM) illuminate
these communities' rich and enduring culture in our country.
This year’s theme of Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
and Hope, authored by the National Council of Hispanic Employment
Program Managers, imagines a time for reflection on the community's
achievers who have inspired us and embodied resilience; it also
envisions a future brimming with unity and optimism.
2. The Coast Guard proudly recognizes and highlights the
extraordinary courage and valor that Hispanic and Latino Americans
bring to our Service and our Nation. Hispanic and Latino
Americans have served with honor and distinction in the Coast Guard
as lighthouse keepers, surfmen, cuttermen, and aviators from our
earliest epochs. Chief Engineman Justo Gonzalez distinguished
himself during a 30-year career in both our precedent agency,
the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and the modern Coast Guard. He was
commended for his meritorious and selfless actions which saved
others in peril, and as a survivor of the USCGC ACACIA, sunk in
combat in March, 1942. Gunner's Mate Second Class Joseph Tezanos
was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal during World War II
for distinguished heroism in rescue operations after a devastating
explosion in Pearl Harbor. Such heroism and achievements paved
the way for other including Yeoman Grisel Hollis, the first Hispanic
American woman advanced to Chief Petty Officer, and Rear Admiral
Ronald Rábago, the Coast Guard’s first Hispanic American to be
promoted to flag officer, a military term for a service’s highest
ranks.
3. Hispanic Americans Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, civil rights
activists and leaders who co-founded the National Farm Workers
Association, promoted the organization of laborers, negotiated
contracts, and advocated for safer working conditions, improving
workplaces for all Americans in the farm industry. Recent notable
Hispanic and Latino Americans include, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first
woman Hispanic astronaut and the first Hispanic Director of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Johnson
Space Center. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is the first Latino
and immigrant to head the Department of Homeland Security.
4. All Coast Guard commands and units are encouraged to celebrate
the accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic and Latino
Americans to our Service and to our Nation. Please continue to
follow guidelines for in-person gatherings and use remote
collaboration platforms, websites, newsletters, and social media
to celebrate this observance.
5. POC: COMDT (CG-00H) Mr. Juan Torres, 202-372-4594,
juan.l.torres@uscg.mil.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Civil Rights Director (CG-00H), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.