[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. HECTOR P. GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE GEREN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Mr. PETE GEREN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life 
of an American hero who dedicated his life to others and whose actions 
advanced the lives of millions. He founded the G.I. Forum, he was a war 
hero, and he unselfishly devoted his professional life to providing 
health care to citizens of his community.
  Dr. Hector P. Garcia, a friend and a resident of my home State of 
Texas, was mourned by thousands as he was laid to rest last week. An 
immigrant from Mexico, Hector Garcia was dedicated to education, as was 
his father, and received a medical degree from the University of Texas 
Medical Branch in Galveston after completing his undergraduate work at 
the University of Texas. He then volunteered for service in World War 
II and received a Bronze Star with six battle stars for his service.
  Hector began his greatest work when he returned from the war and 
contracted with the Veterans Administration to treat veterans of World 
War I. When he learned that the Veterans Administration was not 
complying with the requirements of the GI bill of rights and was 
discriminating against Mexican-Americans, Dr. Garcia gave birth to the 
American G.I. Forum with a mission to fight racial discrimination.
  Hector Garcia believed in the American dream and worked to help 
others live that dream, using the American G.I. Forum to advance 
equality for all Americans. Long before the civil rights movement of 
the sixties, Hector Garcia confronted segregation in south Texas and 
helped bring it to an end. In addition to his work with the G.I. Forum, 
Hector Garcia continued his practice of medicine, often providing free 
medical care to those who could not afford it.
  Hector Garcia once said that he did not deserve the awards that he 
had received, but appreciate them. Certainly, we all appreciate what 
Hector Garcia did for Mexican-Americans, my State of Texas, and for 
America.
  Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life 
of an American whose dedication and work for equal rights for all 
people will never be forgotten.

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