[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 93 (Friday, June 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S6670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MARTINEZ-GARCIA-NERIO-REYES AMERICAN LEGION POST 500

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, on June 29, 1996, American Legion 
Post 500 will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In November 1945, after 
returning from service in World War II, Mexican-American veterans in 
the Saginaw area began meeting to exchange stories of their experiences 
during combat. These veterans decided to organize and were later 
recognized as the Latin American Club for Veterans.
  Many Mexican-Americans came to Michigan during the 1920's to work in 
the fields, on the railroads, and at the auto plants. These migrants 
experienced many difficulties arising from cultural differences and 
their inexperience with the English language. After the war, Mexican-
Americans in the Saginaw area continued to experience prejudice and 
discrimination. The members of the Latin American Club for Veterans 
felt it was important to have a stronger voice in Saginaw to serve the 
Mexican-American community. Therefore, they decided to apply for a 
chapter charter in the American Legion.
  On April 20, 1946, Latin American Legion Post 500 was chartered. It 
was later decided to rename the post after the first four Mexican-
Americans killed in World War II. The names of Louis Martinez, Julian 
Garcia, Sifred Nerio, and John Reyes live on today at American Legion 
Post 500. Since its inception, over 1,000 veterans serving in World War 
II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm have been members of the post.
  In addition to assisting veterans, the post has been involved in 
helping the community. The post supports sports teams, donates food to 
the needy, and sponsors a program where boys travel to Lansing for a 
week to learn how our State capitol works. I know that my Senate 
colleagues join me in hon- 
oring the Martinez-Garcia-Nerio-Reyes American Legion Post 500 on its 
50th anniversary.

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