Saturday’s Latino Awards Adelante, held at Emporia State’s Albert Taylor Hall, were an emotional experience for those in attendance, including several local veterans who were being honored as part of the festivities.
Vietnam Veteran Manuel Hernandez was one of several veterans who had a spotlight on them during the awards. As he spoke with KVOE News, the emotions he felt were visibly apparent.
When asked what was stirring said emotions, Hernandez recalled the days
of the Vietnam War when soldiers were not always celebrated but in many cases despised by those they were served. Seeing the amount of support, grattitude and compassion on display Saturday evening, Hernandez offered his gratitude to everyone who helped make it a reality.
Saturday was the second annual Latino Awards Adelante and was organized in partnership between the Emporia Brown Express, Emporia State University Intercultural Center and ESU Student Veterans Association.
Intercultural Center Director Mike Torres says these types of activities are exactly what the Intercultural Center strives to promote.
While the core of activities took place at ESU’s Albert Taylor Hall during the evening hours, the event officially began in downtown Emporia in the late afternoon with a parade down Commercial Street.
