[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 58 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO LUISA TRUJILLO VASQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, Luisa Trujillo Vasquez was born in 
Nogales, Territory of Arizona on May 22, 1906. In the fall of that same 
year, Luisa's parents, Salome Vasquez and Reyes Trujillo, loaded their 
six sons and baby daughter into a horse-drawn wagon and made the 
journey to Tucson. Tucson has been Luisa's home since her arrival as an 
infant; earning her the title of a ``Native Tucsonan.''
  The Trujillo family lived on the corner of Simpson Street and Main 
Avenue, across from the famous ``Elysian Groves,'' where Luisa and her 
siblings often played as children and adolescents. Luisa attended 
Drachman and Safford Elementary schools until 6th grade when she left 
school in order to help her mother look after her brothers and help 
with household chores. The end of her formal education did not mark the 
end of Luisa's learning; indeed, Luisa's character was strengthened and 
her practical education supplemented when she joined the workforce at 
the young age of 13 in order to help support her family. Never one to 
complain, Luisa accepted this challenge willingly and with dignity and 
resolve.
  Luisa has held many job titles throughout her lifetime, but she 
considers herself first and foremost to be a seamstress. She sewed for 
Levy's Department Store, Kaufman's Department Store (later known as 
Saccani's), the Lyric Outfitters, and she worked at Davis Monthan Air 
Force Base sewing and mending thousands of military uniforms for 
soldiers stationed there during World War II. Luisa is also known for 
designing and fitting many of the Hispanic brides and their bridesmaid 
dresses during the 1930's, 1940's and early 1950's.
  Luisa has many fond memories of the Tucson of her youth where she 
used to ride the mule-drawn trolley named ``El Urbano,'' danced at the 
old Armory Park Dance Hall, took in films at the Old ``Opera House,'' 
and attended shows at the Teatro Carmen. She also vividly remembers 
family outings to Sabino Canyon, trips to Old Fort Lowell and Vail 
Communities, and Sunday outings to the old Southern Pacific Railroad 
Depot to listen to the military bands from Fort Lowell and the SPRR 
Civic Band.
  Luisa raised her four children as well as her beloved niece and 
nephew in Tucson. Throughout the years and particularly during the 
Great Depression, Luisa struggled with quiet resolve to provide for her 
immediate and extended family and even her neighbors from time to time.
  Though Luisa is proud of her Mexican-American heritage, her loyalty 
has always been to her American homeland. Since World War I, Luisa has 
also had a deep love for America's servicemen and women. Following the 
death of her much-loved nephew during World War II (whom Luisa raised), 
Luisa was recognized as a ``Gold Star Mother.'' In honor of her nephew 
and the sacrifice he made for his country, Luisa has requested that her 
Gold Star be pinned to her dress and buried with her upon her death.
  Luisa has been the recipient of many well-deserved awards throughout 
the course of her lifetime. Most recently, the ``Los Descendientes del 
Presidio de Tucson'' recognized Luisa's achievements and her commitment 
to her native city.
  Luisa has led a life full of love and friendship and distinguished by 
uncommon hospitality and service to her loved ones as well as her 
community. She is an exceptional woman, mother, grandmother, great-
grandmother, and citizen. Her life has left an indelible mark on Tucson 
and the lives of its citizens.




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