ETHNIC OBSERVANCES

Equal opportunity special/ethnic observances are conducted to enhance cross-cultural awareness among all soldiers, civilian employees and their families. These observances recognize the achievements and contributions made by members of specific racial, ethnic, or gender groups in our society. The observances should also promote under-standing, teamwork, harmony, pride and esprit among all groups, not just within the specific group being honored.

     a.           HQDA, ODCSPER possesses general staff responsibility for establishing policy and identifying the time period for each observance.

b.           MACOM and installation commanders will—

   (1)   Develop, plan and conduct observances during the designated time frames outlined in Table 6-1 or as otherwise directed by HQDA.

   (2)   Program necessary funding to conduct annual observance activities within the EO program budget

   (3)   Encourage all members of the military community to contribute to and participate in the planning, implementation and conduct of the observance activities.

   (4)   Involve members of the staff elements and subordinate units in the development and conduct of observance functions.

   (5)   Select and announce an appropriate theme for the observance, consistent with the spirit of the event and the needs of the local community. National or DoD themes are often published which may be used to augment the activities.

c.         EO Program management or education and training funds may be spent on activities and publications which are intended to promote cross-cultural harmony and awareness. Examples of permissible expenditures include guest speakers, artistic or cultural activities, food exhibits or samples (samples are not intended as meals or refreshments). Additionally, funds may be allocated to commercial entertainment as part of an educational awareness program. Commanders will en-sure that projected events amplify the contributions made to the Army and to society by the featured ethnic, gender or racial group.

d.       Commanders will publicize the cultural/ethnic event in post newspapers and bulletins to provide widest dissemination possible.

e.       Commanders will form a standing committee to plan cultural observances. Members of the committee may include the EOA, Morale, Welfare and Recreations (MWR) officer, Public Affairs Officer (PAO), club managers, unit chaplains, DoD dependent school representatives, resource management personnel, and other individuals as necessary.

f.         Commanders will encourage maximum use of recreational facilities to include the post library, recreation center, theater, etc. for use during observation of the special events. Suggested activities include the following:

    (1)  Special displays in libraries

(2)  Expositions and displays of arts and crafts

(3)  Special music or drama programs

(4)   Programs featuring historical achievements and contributions by various ethnic groups to government, education, industry, religion, music and theater

(5)  Speeches from local chain of command and DoD civilians

g.       Activities will be designated and scheduled to allow for maximum attendance by all soldiers and civilians within the command. Commanders will establish a policy that ensures that all personnel desiring to participate in these observances are given a reasonable opportunity to do so.

h.        A consolidated annual observance recognizing members of all racial/ ethnic/gender groups may be conducted in addition to (but will not be used in place of) the observances listed in table 6-1

Special commemorations/ethnic observances timetable

Month: January

Dates: 3d Monday

Observance: Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday

Authority/comment: Public Law 98-144, Nov. 83 (Federal holiday)

Month: February

Dates: 1-28/29

Observance: African-American/Black History Month

Authority/comment: First Presidential Proclamation, Feb. 76

Month: March

Dates: 1-31

Observance: Women's History Month

Authority/comment: Public Law 100-9, Mar 87

Month: April/May

Dates: Sunday to Sunday for Week Incorporating Yom Hashoah

Observance: "Days of Remembrance" for Victims of the Holocaust

Authority/comment: Public Law 96-388, Oct. 80

Month: May

Dates: 1-31

Observance: Asian Pacific Heritage Month

Authority/comment: First Presidential Proclamation, May 91

Month: August

Dates: 26

Observance: Women's Equality Day

Authority/comment: First Presidential Proclamation, Aug. 73

Month: September/October

Dates: 15 Sep. - 15 Oct.

Observance: National Hispanic Heritage Month

Authority/comment: Public Law 100-402, Aug. 88

Month: November

Dates: 1-30

Observance: National Native American Indian Heritage Month

    Authority/comment: Public Law 102-188, Mar 92