ROYBAL-ALLARD HONORS LATINO VETERANS ON MEMORIAL DAY

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard called on the public to honor the countless contributions of Latino veterans this Memorial Day.

From the American Revolution to the War on Terrorism, the Latino community has a deep-rooted history of service in the U.S. military. Currently, there are over 85,000 Latinos on active duty, representing approximately 7% of all active duty personnel. Latinos represent over 6.2% of the Army, 8.1% of the Navy, 11% of the Marine Corps, and 4.4% of the Air Force.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard made the following statement:

"On Memorial Day, we honor all those who have died in the line of duty. We remember that those soldiers, who came from many different backgrounds, all paid the ultimate price on behalf of our freedom.

Among those who have fought bravely are almost one million Latinos who served in our military. Latinos soldiers fought for America from the very beginning of our nation's history. During the American Revolution, men from Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic went to battle alongside the colonists in the quest for independence.

The contributions of Latino soldiers have been tremendous. For example, there is a neighborhood street in Silvis, Illinois that is named after a very special Latino community. It is called Hero Street, in honor of the 22 Latino families who live on this one-and-a-half block long street. Together, they have sent over 100 men to three different wars."

"Both as American citizens and as immigrants, Latinos have served honorably in America's Armed Forces. It is a particular point of pride that Latinos have received more Congressional Medals of Honor than any other ethnic group. In total, 38 Latinos have received the Congressional Medal of Honor - the nation's highest award for valor.

During the Korean War, eight Latinos were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery. In addition, eleven Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to Latinos were awarded for bravery in World War II, a war in which as many as half a million Latino soldiers fought for the United States.

This proud history deserves recognition and respect. I look forward to the completion of the Eugene Obregon Monument in Downtown Los Angeles, which will pay tribute to all the Latinos who have received Congressional Medals of Honor.

In addition to the Medal of Honor recipients, there have been countless other Latino soldiers whose acts of heroism and great courage must be remembered. For example, Marine PFC Guy Galbadon, from East Los Angeles, single-handedly captured over 1,000 enemy soldiers in the summer of 1944 - more than anyone in the history of military conflicts.

In the Vietnam conflict, Navy Lt. Everett Alvarez was the first American prisoner of war. He remained confined for more than eight years, making him the longest confirmed prisoner of war in American history.

Our country has a wonderful history of men and women from different racial and ethnic backgrounds who have joined together in the fight for freedom. Many made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. My deepest gratitude goes out to all those Latino soldiers and their families who have answered this call to service."

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Congresswoman Roybal-Allard
Washington, D.C., Office: 2330 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Phone: (202) 225-1766. Fax: (202) 226-0350.
District Office: 255 E. Temple St., Ste. 1860, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3334. Phone: (213) 628-9230. Fax: (213) 628-8578.