[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO JUANITA JENNY MARTINEZ

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, tonight I pay tribute to the passing of 
Juanita Martinez, who was selflessly committed to the betterment of 
Pueblo. After a long battle, Juanita succumbed to the effects of cancer 
on June 30, 2002. As her family mourns the loss, I would like to 
highlight her life before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Juanita Martinez was an avid dancer who provided lessons free of 
charge, and even bought costumes for her students! She was the first 
Chicana dance instructor to teach Mexican folk dancing at the 
University of Southern Colorado, and choreographed the dance for the 
Colorado State Fair's First Annual Fiesta Day celebration. She also 
frequently performed at Memorial Hall in Pueblo as a young Zaragoza 
Hall dancer, whose styles mirrored Mexican folk dances to reflect her 
beloved heritage. Her most famous dance escapade resulted when she 
performed with then-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan during a 
campaign stop at the Colorado Republican State Assembly. She was 
extremely patriotic, and always wore red-white-and-blue in her daily 
attire to show her devotion to her country.
  Mr. Speaker, Juanita Martinez encompassed the qualities of a true 
community volunteer, and she and her efforts will be dearly missed. I, 
along with her loving family and grateful community, will mourn her 
loss.

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