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Honoring history with special observances

  • Published
  • By Randy King
  • 20th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity
Our nation is diverse with nationalities, races, cultures, and personalities. These diversities have contributed to the building of one great nation: the United States of America.

How can we continue to be the greatest nation with the greatest military in the world without our diversity?

It is imperative that we celebrate and observe the events that happened in the past, lest we lose sight of our future. The Buffalo Soldiers, Code Talkers, and the Tuskegee Airman are only a few examples of strength through diversity.

While it is important to highlight the strides made by every culture, we must also remember those who put themselves in danger to make a difference such as Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many others and recognize these individuals for their courage to make a difference.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson started Black History Month to recognize the accomplishments of many who impacted the nation. Women’s History Month celebrates the progress made by women throughout the entire world. For these reasons, we take time to remember and recognize those who have contributed through inventions, service, and suffering to make this country what it is today.

The more we know about our past and each other, the easier it is for us to understand, love, and appreciate one another. With those attributes we could bring peace into the world. By honoring our history through these observances, our future generations will come to understand our diverse origins.

The Equal Employment Opportunity office at Shaw Air Force Base serves as advisors for volunteer committees for each observance or remembrance event. The upcoming celebrations are taking place as follows: Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15; American Indian Heritage Month, Nov. 1-30; African-American/Black History Month, Feb. 1-28; and Women’s History Month, March 1-31.

We invite all Airmen to be a part of what makes us a great nation and to learn about other cultures. Knowledge about cultures other than your own helps to eradicate bias perceptions that you may hold about unfamiliar traditions. If you are passionate or interested in learning more about an observance or remembrance, call the EO office at (803) 895-1265 for more information.