Hi all,
Here I am posting a little late, fashionably so, I hope. This is quite an interesting discussion thus far.
socorrista: I know you might feel frustrated with having to learn another language other than English but think of this. If you are going to go back in time then English is not the traditional language spoke in the Americas� nor was it the first language spoken here imported from Europe. I used to live in Miami a long time ago and so I am quite familiar with what you saying but with having taken the oath to serve and protect then you can surely see how you are providing a greater service by speaking the two dominant languages in your area. Currently I live in a country that is completely bilingual and it is amazing to see how well represented all parties are. The acceptance of other cultures is humbling once you come from a land you think is a melting pot and then find yourself right smack face to face with the real deal. It makes one feel quite ashamed to receive such an embrace of my language and accommodations when it isn't even a national language when in return they would not receive the same upon visiting our fair land. I commend you for working even though frustrated to serve those who depend on your dedication. If no one else bothered to thank you for the service allow me to say thank you.
Parris: I am not sure if you are aware of this or not but Mexican's have shed blood in every war that the United States has had from Gettysburg all the way through to present day. As far as a minority group, Hispanics have shed the same amount of blood as any other group that has come to these lands, conquistadores and all.
Civil War: From the first shots at Fort
Sumter, South Carolina, in 1861, to the last
action at Palmito Ranch, Texas, in 1865, Hispanics were involved in every aspect of the war and made notable contributions on behalf of their chosen sides.
Spain once laid claim to much of the land
that stretches from Florida to California. Its campaign
of exploration and conquest began with
Christopher Columbus and continued for three
centuries. As early as 1526 settlers from
Hispaniola arrived at what is present-day South
Carolina, and through the 1500s and 1600s the
Spanish pushed westward and northward, establishing
missions, trading posts, colonies, and presidios.
By the mid-19th century and the approach
of the Civil War, Spanish roots ran especially deep
in two diverse parts of America: in the Gulf states,
particularly Louisiana, and in the Southwest.
On the Seas
Some of the most dramatic fighting of the
Civil War occurred on the high seas where
Hispanics served with valor in the navies of both
sides.
Two Hispanic Union sailors earned Medals
of Honor for their actions in battle. Philip Bazaar
was a seaman on board U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba
in 1865. He was one of six men from the fleet to
enter the enemy works during the assault on Fort
Fisher, North Carolina. He carried dispatches during
the battle while under heavy fire from the
Confederates, and for these actions, Seaman
Bazaar was awarded the Medal of Honor. John
Ortega enlisted in Pennsylvania and served as a
seaman on U.S.S. Saratoga. Conspicuous gallantry
in two actions gained Ortega the Medal of Honor
and a promotion to acting master�s mate.
For his exploits during the Civil War, Adm.
David G. Farragut became one of the most famous
naval commanders in American history. Born to a
Spanish father and an American mother, Farragut
was raised in Tennessee and began his naval
career when only nine years old. He served in the
War of 1812 and the War with Mexico and was 60
when the Civil War broke out. He lived in Virginia
at the time but sided with the Union. Promoted to
rear admiral for success in an expedition that he
commanded to New Orleans, and later appointed
vice admiral, Farragut became famous for his capture
of Mobile Bay and his command, �Damn the
Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead!� In 1866, Farragut
was promoted to full admiral, a rank in the U.S.
Navy created especially for this national hero.
To read more about this and other great contributions made by Hispanics during the Civil war see this government link:
http://crm.cr.nps.gov/archive/20-11/20-11-31.pdfIn fact Army Magazine did a feature which states that in every war fought in the Defense of the United States, there have been Hispanics involved thought the Civil war was the first war which had significant numbers involved, yet even during the Revolutionary war there were Hispanics fighting at the Alamo on either side. So are we demanding something we haven't fought for or is it that like other minorities in the United States our history is just being told, so the right we demand along with other groups are realized by earned right?
For your dedication and time in service to our country I also thank you. I find it completely amazing that so many fearless people such as yourself give years of your life in service to what you believe is such a great cause, the United States.
Islander: I am aware of what you are speaking to and I whole heartedly agree. If we do not factor in that we are dealing with human lives and families we are destined to repeat the same mistakes and shame again.
Lynn: Thank you for your insightful and thought provoking contributions. I am glad to have you in the conversation.
Becky