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Warwick celebrates seventh annual Hispanic Heritage Day with a parade and ceremonies

| 26 Sep 2018 | 02:01
    Photos by Roger Gavan On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 23, 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.
    Photos by Roger Gavan On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 23, 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.
    Warwick Reformed Church Pastor Rev. Linden DeBie first blessed the food and throughout the evening everyone was invited to sample the free tastings of cuisine from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and El Salvador.
    Warwick Reformed Church Pastor Rev. Linden DeBie first blessed the food and throughout the evening everyone was invited to sample the free tastings of cuisine from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and El Salvador.
    After arriving at Railroad Green visitors were treated to a colorful dance performance by the Comparsa de Chinelos San Pedr.
    After arriving at Railroad Green visitors were treated to a colorful dance performance by the Comparsa de Chinelos San Pedr.
    On Sunday afternoon, September 23, 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.
    On Sunday afternoon, September 23, 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.

WARWICK — On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 23, 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 year, the event was again hosted by Rev. Rolfi Elivo, pastor of the Hispanic Ministry, and cosponsored by Warwick Immigrant Neighbors (WIN) with the cooperation of the Village of Warwick.
After arriving at Railroad Green visitors were treated to a colorful dance performance by the Comparsa de Chinelos San Pedro and later during the ceremony, by the songs of members of the Inglesia La Luz del Monde.
Warwick Reformed Church Pastor Rev. Linden DeBie first blessed the food and throughout the evening everyone was invited to sample the free tastings of cuisine from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and El Salvador.
The ceremony began with approximately 200 visitors standing for the American and Latin International anthems followed by a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in pursuit of a better life.
And then Rev. Elivo introduced Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard and Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton who both praised the group for adding to the diversity and culture of the community.
Elba Arias introduced the speakers and also provided simultaneous translations.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 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 Johnson and expanded by President Reagan to cover the current 30-day period.
During the program medals of honor were presented by Oscar Siguroa, president of the Hispanic Ministry Corporation, to Israel Mercado, Diego Sanchez, Theresa Mack, Liz Houlton, Jim Neujahr, Mimi Fader and Mary Collura.
Traditional Latin music and dance performances, including Merengue Dominicano, followed the speeches and the awards ceremony until 8 p.m.
- Roger Gavan