by the way

Celebrating Our Hispanic Heritage

The stars were shining at the White House on October 13, 2009. President Obama and the First Lady celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting Fiesta Latina, a concert showcasing Hispanic musical and cultural heritage. Held on the South Lawn of the White House, Fiesta Latina included performances by Mark Anthony, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, and many others.

Each year, beginning on September 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of Hispanic culture and achievements. The day of September 15 is important, because on that date in 1821, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras gained independence. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16 and Chile declared its independence on September 18. What do you think? How much do you know about the contributions of Hispanic culture in the United States? Do some Internet research to find out more.

A Baseball Tradition

The Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees are playing in the 2009 World Series. Last year’s champion Phillies are trying to become the first National League team since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds to win back-to-back World Series titles. The New York Yankees have 26 World Series titles—far more than any other team.

The Game One Opening Ceremonies celebrated U.S. Veterans. Iraq veteran Tony Odierno threw out the traditional ceremonial first pitch. Odierno lost his left arm during the war in Iraq, and now works for the Yankees. He was accompanied by former Yankee player and manager Yogi Berra, who is a Navy veteran of World War II.

National heroes, entertainers, and public officials are frequently chosen to throw out the first pitch. The tradition began when President William Howard Taft made the honorary first pitch of the 1910 baseball season. In 1915, Woodrow Wilson was the first president to throw out the first ball of the World Series Except for Jimmy Carter, every president since Taft has thrown out the traditional first ball, either for Opening Day, the All-Star Game, or the World Series.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden also participated in the 2009 Opening Ceremonies. The First Wives used the opportunity to honor veterans and show support for veterans and Major League Baseball’s organization, Welcome Back Veterans. You can read a news story about the night here, or watch the video Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden made for veterans:

Welcome Back Veterans

A Sober Tribute

At least 55 U.S. soldiers and civilians have died in Afghanistan in October, 2009–more than during any other month since the war began in 2001. During the overnight hours of October 29, President Obama flew to Dover Air Force Base (AFB) in Delaware to honor the sacrifice of the fallen individuals and pay his respects to their families. The president spent a few hours with some of the families while he was at the base.

The bodies of dead soldiers and civilians are flown home to the U.S. They are met by their families and an honor guard of soldiers when they land at Dover AFB.

The administration is close to making a decision about the amount of troops it will station in Afghanistan. Earlier in the week, President Obama told an audience of military personnel, “I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way.”

Taking Flight

More than 70 years after she disappeared somewhere in the southwestern Pacific, the story of Amelia Earhart, still fascinates. The new film, Amelia, tells the story of the famed woman pilot. Check out the trailer for the movie:

Fox Searchlight Pictures

By 1930, Earhart had broken several women’s speed records. In 1932 she made a solo flight across the Atlantic, becoming the first woman to do so. On June 1, 1937, Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan set off in an attempt to fly around the world at the Equator. They disappeared while flying over the Pacific on July 2.