[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AMERICAN GI FORUM--``EDUCATION IS OUR FREEDOM AND FREEDOM SHOULD BE 
                         EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend a proud salute to 
the members of the American GI Forum who have gathered to celebrate the 
50th Anniversary of the founding of this organization by the late D. 
Hecter P. Garcia.
  Dr. Garcia was an inspiration to all of us and his legacy continues 
through the work the members do in his name and in the name of the 
organization he founded. The American GI Forum, a family-oriented 
Hispanic veterans group, was conceived in Corpus Christi, Texas in the 
spring of 1948 after veterans raised concerns about their benefits and 
treatment. Dr. Garcia began fighting for the civil rights of many 
Americans--long before others joined the cause. He fought for civil, 
human and individual rights. His ideas were firmly planted in south 
Texas and in the Hispanic community--nationwide. His efforts produced 
many of today's Hispanic leaders and provided the foundation for 
tomorrow's generation of leaders.
  Today, this organization has more than 100,000 members and 500 
chapters in 32 states and Puerto Rico. More than 1,000,000 Hispanic 
veterans have proudly served their country and earned recognition for 
their service.
  The GI Forum continues to champion issues which impact the community 
including: access to health care for veterans, affirmative action, a 
fair and accurate census count, juvenile crime prevention, adolescent 
pregnancy prevention, and improving conditions in colonias.
  Dr. Garcia's legacy continues to be felt today as the organization 
looks into the future. He believed that education was the foundation 
for future generations. To this end, the American GI Forum is making a 
concentrated effort to educate and provide leadership development 
opportunities for young people.
  The American GI Forum celebrates 50 glorious years and many 
accomplishments, but the best years are yet to come. The future years 
will result in the fulfillment of Dr. Garcia's dream for a better 
tomorrow for all Americans.

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