[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 82 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      FELIZ CINCUENTA ANIVERSARIO A LA LEGION POSTAL AMERICANA 500

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, many Americans fought to preserve democracy 
in World War II, including the many Mexican-Americans who bravely 
fought for their country. On June 29, the Hispanic Americans of 
American Legion Post 500 in Saginaw, MI, will be celebrating the post's 
50th anniversary, having been chartered on April 20, 1946.
  Many of the veterans of World War II formed a Latin American club for 
Veterans in November 1945, to provide an opportunity for these brave 
individuals to recount their experiences, to renew old ties, and to 
develop new alliances for the future. With many of these individuals 
having come to Michigan from other areas to take advantage of work 
opportunities, the club was an excellent way of maintaining their 
contacts with the Hispanic culture. In 1946, a temporary charter was 
granted to Latin American Legion Post 500, with Valintino Gallegos as 
the first post commander.
  The members of the post honored their fallen colleagues by renaming 
the post after the first four Mexican Americans from Saginaw killed in 
the war: Pvt. Louis Martinez, killed in action in France, June 12, 
1944; Pfc. Julian Garcia, killed in action in Guam, 1944; Pfc. Sifred 
Nerio, wounded in France, July 1944, and subsequently dying in a 
British hospital on August 1, 1944; and Pvt. John Reyes, a paratrooper 
killed in action in Italy, October 18, 1944. the approximately 1,000 
veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm who have 
been members of the post since its inception have a proud heritage that 
is worthy of recognition.
  There has been a greater awareness in recent years of many Americans 
who fought for their country in World War II and in other battles, and 
failed to receive adequate recognition for their service and sacrifice. 
Posts like American Legion Post 500--the only Hispanic American Legion 
Post in Michigan--were vital in promoting the special needs of Hispanic 
veterans, particularly at times when there may not have been as much 
recognition of their contributions and sensitivity to their needs as 
their should have been.
  Mr. Speaker, these Mexican-Americans deserve our thanks for all that 
they have done over the years. I ask that you and our colleagues join 
me in offering them our thanks, and in wishing them the very best for 
the 50th anniversary of Martinez, Garcia, Nerio, Reyes American Legion 
Post 500. Les deseamos ontros 50 anos con mucho exito y mucha salud.

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