[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF MEXICAN-AMERICAN VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 2, 1999

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Mexican-
American veterans who have served the United States of America in war 
and peace throughout the course of our nation's history.
  Hispanos fought against the British during the American Revolution. 
In 1779, General Bernardo de Galvez of New Orleans led an army against 
the British, defeating them in key battles along the Mississippi River 
at Baton Rouge and Pensacola, Florida. The General's army captured 
eight British warships and over 5,000 British soldiers. And in 1836, 
Mexican-Americans fought in the battle for the Lone Star State, Texas. 
Nine Mexican-Americans died during the Battle of the Alamo.
  Historically, over 500,000 Mexican-Americans served during World War 
II and the Korean War. In the Vietnam War, Mexican-Americans 
represented 20% of the combat troops, yet were only 10% of the total 
population of the United States! And in April of 1999, two of the 
Americans who were captured and held in Kosovo as prisoners of war were 
Latinos, Sgt. Andrew Ramirez and Spec. Steven Gonzales.
  Patriotic, heroic, and loyal to their country, Mexican-Americans have 
stood united against the enemies who have threatened America's freedom. 
Colleagues, please join me today in saluting the Mexican-American 
Veterans who have honored our country with their bravery and 
dedication.

                          ____________________