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SUBJ/HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH// 
 
RMKS/1.  From September 15 through October 15, we observe Hispanic Heritage 
Month to remember the many contributions of the Hispanic Sailors and Marines 
who have served throughout the history of our force. 
 
2.  Today, nearly one in every four Marines is Hispanic - over 52,000.  There 
are over 67,000 Hispanics serving in our Navy over 16% of the fleet. 
 
3.  We remember Submariners like Captain Marion Fredric Ramirez de Arellano, 
who served with distinction beneath the Pacific waves throughout World War 
II.  Medal of Honor recipients like First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez, the 
first Marine up the seawall at Inchon.  Aviators like my friend Lieutenant 
Commander Everett Alvarez Jr., who endured 8 years of captivity in North 
Vietnam.  Leaders like Major General Angela Salinas, the first Latina General 
Officer in the Marine Corps. And Sailors and Marines of Hispanic descent, 
like Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Corporal Hunter Lopez, Corporal 
Humberto Sanchez, and Lance Corporal David Espinoza, who sacrificed their 
lives in defense of our nation. 
 
4.  As we reflect on the accomplishments of these heroes of the past and 
present, we recognize the strides we have made to ensure Sailors and Marines 
of all races, genders, religions, and ethnicities are treated with dignity 
and respect.  We are strengthened by the diversity of our force, especially 
those of every Hispanic American who serves our Navy-Marine Corps team today. 
 
5.  I am proud to serve alongside each and every one of you.  And I am 
grateful for all that you, and your families, do in defense of our Nation. 
 
6.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
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