[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 102 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REVISING SHORT TITLE OF THE FANNIE LOU HAMER, ROSA PARKS, AND CORETTA 
SCOTT KING VOTING RIGHTS ACT REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today 
in support of S. 188. In passing this bill, we will honor true pioneers 
in the struggle for civil rights by adding the names of Cesar Chavez, 
Barbara Jordan, William Velasquez, and Dr. Hector Garcia to the 1965 
Voting Rights Act.
  Today, we honor their instrumental role in the struggle for civil 
rights, and celebrate the historic contributions and enduring legacy of 
these great Americans.
  Dr. Hector P. Garcia was a Mexican immigrant who came to Texas 
fleeing the violence of the Mexican Revolution in 1917, and through 
hard work and tenacity became a doctor, soldier, and true American 
hero. After being wounded in battle and fighting for VA benefits, he 
founded the American G.I. forum to help Mexican Americans claim the VA 
benefits they had earned. After World War II, the American G.I. Forum 
became the leading voice for Mexican American veterans. As a resident 
of my hometown Corpus Christi, Dr. Garcia was an inspiration to me 
because he stood tall for veterans to see that they received the 
benefits they have earned through service to country.
  It is my hope that Hispanic Americans, who have time and again served 
our Nation in combat with distinction, will take special pride in 
knowing that Dr. Hector P. Garcia will forever stand as a symbol of all 
Hispanics who have so patriotically served America in uniform.
  Dr. Garcia first became a national figure when he successfully fought 
for the burial rights of Private Felix Longoria, killed in the line of 
duty during World War II. After Private Longoria's widow's request to 
have him buried in their hometown cemetery in Three Rivers Texas was 
denied, Dr. Garcia and the American G.I. Forum took his case to Senator 
Lyndon Johnson, who pushed to have Private Longoria buried at Arlington 
National Cemetery.
  Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr. Garcia, Private Longoria 
became the first Mexican American to be honored with a burial at 
Arlington.
  Dr. Garcia's groundbreaking work to advance the cause of Hispanic 
civil rights continued for decades and he became a trusted adviser to 
American presidents. His successful efforts to break down barriers and 
desegregate American society, improve working conditions, increase 
access to health care and educational opportunities for Hispanic 
Americans became legendary and deserve our utmost respect.
  Dr. Garcia's many accomplishments and honors include:
  The Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984.
  Appointment as alternate U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
  The U.S. Army's Bronze Star and six battle stars for his service in 
World War II.
  The American G.I. Forum's Medalla al Merlto in 1952, for his work 
with Mexican American veterans.
  The Distinguished Service Award from the National Office of Civil 
Rights, 1980.
  The National Hispanic Leadership Conference's Hispanic Heritage 
Award, 1989.
  The Equestrian Order of Pope Gregory the Great from Pope John Paul 
II, 1990.
  On a personal note, I had the privilege of growing up in Corpus 
Christi, Texas just four houses down the street from Dr. Garcia and his 
family. His life's commitment to the cause of civil rights was an 
inspiration to me in my youth and played an important role in my 
entering public service. It was an honor to call him my friend and 
mentor.
  Madam Speaker, with deep respect for the life and extraordinary 
accomplishments of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, I urge my colleagues to 
support S. 188.

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