Latinos in Military: Honoring Them on Veterans’ Day
People visit Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day November 11, 2019 in Arlington, Virginia. Americans observed Veterans Day to honor those who had served in the U.S. military. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Veterans Day has been one of the most anticipated federal holidays in the United States.

This is celebrated to honor the military veterans who have served din the Armed Forces of the United States.

Latinos have been part of the historic growth of the military on the U.S.

Based on U.S. Army's history website, Latinos have a proud record in the military service dating back to the Civil War.

Over 20,000 Latino serviceman and women joined in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991.

In the Vietnam War in 1959-1973, around 80,000 Latinos joined in the effort, while more than 400,000 were in the service of the military during the World War II in 1939-1945.

Latinos have received over 40 Medals of Honor based on the Department of Defense's data, as reported by Salud America.

"Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or one of dozens of other Spanish-speaking countries or cultures, they've answered the 'call to duty,' defending America with unwavering valor and honor," as quoted in a report.

Latinos in the Military Today

As of now, the number of Latinos in the military are continually expanding.

Pew Research Center showed that the number of Latinos in active duty rose from four percent in the 1980s to 12 percent in 2015.

Currently, Latinos account for 16 percent of the U.S. military, as shown in a report done by the Congressional Service Review in 2019.

One Latina Navy Officer won the American Legion Auxiliary Salute to Active Duty Servicewomen Award.

The award was granted during the American Legion Annual Conference in Cincinnati on Aug. 30, 2016.

Lt. Evita Salles said that it was a huge honor receiving the award and being recognized by the ALA.

"It is a reminder to me that I am on the right track with what I am doing with my life, and it motivates me to keep on striving to higher levels of excellence," Sales was quoted in a report.

Salles is currently the Navy Recruiting Command director of reserve officer accessions.

She said that she has always wanted to join the Navy.

This started when she became part of the NJROTC unit back in high school.

She added that there she was first exposed to the Navy, saying that she knew this was the place where she could grow to the best of her abilities, while having a rewarding experience.

Latino Military Heroes

Pvt. Marcelino Serna was undocumented Mexican immigrant and joined the U.S. Army and fount in the World War I.

Related story: More Latinos Are Joining the US Military But Higher Ranks Remain Out of Reach

Army's website said that Serna stood out for capturing 24 German soldiers after a German bullet had grazed his head.

He did this singlehandedly.

Serna was the first Latino to get the Distinguished Service Cross.

Latino advocates are calling on the U.S. Army and federal agencies to posthumously award Serna the Medal of Honor.

Capt. Humbert Roque 'Rocky' Versace was also one of the Latinos who served in the Armed Forces/

Versace was of Puerto Rican-Italian descent.

He mounted four escape attempts and ridiculed his interrogators, while he swore at them in three languages.

Versace sang 'God Bless' America the night before he was executed on Sept. 26, 1965, according to witnesses as recorded on the Army's website.

Versace was posthumously given the Medal of Honor on Jul. 8, 2002.