Warwick celebrates Hispanic Heritage Day with a parade and ceremonies

WARWICK — On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 18, a colorful assembly of members of the Spanish Ministry of the Warwick Reformed Church formed a line of march from the church down Main Street, in the Village of Warwick, to the Railroad Green.
"This is a day when we embrace our culture," said Rev. Rolfi Elivo, the Spanish Language Ministry Pastor at the Warwick Reformed Church. "We want to share our cultural costumes, music and food when participating in a wonderful celebration of Hispanic Heritage."
After arriving at Railroad Green, Elivo introduced Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard, who praised the group for adding to the diversity and culture of the community.
Elivo then introduced Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, who explained that Warwick welcomes the Hispanic community today as it has always welcomed people from many different ethnic backgrounds in its history.
Elivo translated their remarks into Spanish as well as those by Warwick Reformed Church Pastor Michael Otte, who read the sonnet by Emma Lazarus, which welcomes immigrants and is engraved on a bronze plaque at the Statue of Liberty.
Oscar Siguroa, president of the Hispanic Ministry Corporation, explained that National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture.
Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon B. Johnson and expanded by President Ronald Reagan to cover the current 30-day period.
During the program, Sweeton and Newhard presented gold medals of honor to Imelda Portugal, Beatriz Fernandez, Mariana Castillo, Elodia Figueroo, Berta Torres and Avcadio Cruz.
Traditional Mexican music and dance performances followed the speeches and the awards ceremony.
- Roger Gavan