The U.S. military is no longer celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this year, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in an announcement titled, “Identity Months Dead at DoD,” released in January. Since this announcement, no official military resources have been used for cultural celebrations, ending long-held traditions. This included the previous Black History Month, Women’s History Month and Pride Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month officially began on Sept. 15, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but it will not be celebrated by the U.S. military. Last year, United States Army South and the Joint Base San Antonio held an event for the cultural month at Fort Sam Houston. This year, no government assets will go toward similar celebrations, leaving military members to celebrate among themselves.
Daniel Gonzales, a United States Marine Corps veteran and senior at UT San Antonio, spoke on his reaction towards finding out the military no longer celebrates heritage months.
“Being Hispanic, we are very proud people as it is, so we’re going to celebrate ourselves, whether the government says we can or can’t, or whether the government wants to acknowledge it or not,” Gonzales said.
All other military operations will continue as usual, just without the cultural celebration.
In addition to the events coming to an end, culture-recognizing “military or armed forces” commercials have also ceased. Gonzales noted that the Armed Forces Network used to broadcast commercials honoring military personnel from cultures corresponding with the given month. With that coming to a close, openly displaying heritage on military installations is now questioned.
“On base, sometimes people who were talking Spanish to each other, while in uniform, it kind of became a question sometimes, like, is that allowed,” Gonzales commented.
The Department of Defense states on its website that “installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos,” emphasizing celebrating achievement over culture.
“At the end of the day, the only thing that really mattered was your uniform and doing the job and making sure you could cover the person to the left and right of you. That’s really all that matters. It’s about the mission,” Gonzales said.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations will continue in the City of San Antonio until Oct. 15.
