[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE DEDICATION OF THE SAN BENITO MEMORIAL PARK AND MEMORIAL FREDDY 
                                 FENDER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2009

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of 
the San Benito Memorial Park on Saturday, June 6 where a memorial 
honoring the life of Freddy Fender stands.
  Born Baldemar Garza Huerta on June 4, 1937, in San Benito, Texas, 
Freddy Fender was the son of Serapio and Margarita Garza Huerta, a 
laborer and migrant farm worker. He was the eldest of nine children.
  The love of music came early to young Balde, as everyone called him 
then. He was only five years old when he acquired an old three-string 
backless guitar which he quickly learned to play. He may have come from 
a very poor upbringing, but his optimism was undeniable, using music as 
a means to make life happier. ``Music always made it better,'' as he 
would say.
  The family would follow the seasonal crops for harvesting. They 
traveled north to work beets in Michigan, bale hay and pick tomatoes in 
Indiana, harvest cucumbers in Michigan and onions in New Mexico. Then, 
it was back home to San Benito for the winter where he spent time 
entering and winning talent contests.
  Baldemar Huerta's professional career was ignited in November 6, 
1956, as El Bebop Kid, when he originally recorded Spanish-language 
versions of Don't Be Cruel and Holy One, hits in Texas, Mexico and 
South America, that reflected his unique fusion of love songs and rock 
'n roll. For a short time he also recorded under the names of Scotty 
Wayne and Eddie Medina.
  He signed with Imperial Records in 1959 after taking the name Fender 
from the neck of his Fender guitar and Freddy because it sounded good. 
He first recorded his mega-hit, Wasted Days and Wasted Nights in 1959.
  Fender is credited with being the first American Hispanic Rock & Roll 
recording artist in Anglo Latino music history. He was also the first 
Mexican-American artist to cross over into mainstream pop and country 
music, and with introducing Tex-Mex music into the American and world 
music scene.
  Freddy Fender was more than just an artist; he was my dear friend who 
I had the honor of knowing and working with for many years. Through 
this dedication, we pay tribute to a man who traveled around the world 
singing songs that brought smiles and joy to the lives of many, 
including myself. Freddy never forgot where he was from--his roots and 
upbringings remained intact throughout his professional career as a 
singer.
  Today, we remember him through his songs, his spirit and his love for 
the Rio Grande Valley, especially San Benito.
  On October 14, 2006, we all lost a dear friend, companion, singer, 
and San Benito native, when Freddy went to be with the Lord. Before his 
passing, he asked his beloved wife, Vangie, that he wanted to return to 
San Benito to be buried. His wish was carried out and that is why we 
stand here today in honor of a man that encompasses the true meaning of 
success through hard work, dedication and determination.
  Most recently, the San Benito Economic Development Corporation funded 
this project, budgeting about $250,000 for the construction of the 
monument in honor of Freddy. The San Benito Memorial Park will be home 
to 300 resting souls, including Freddy, who was the first one to be 
buried there.
  Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the 
dedication of the San Benito Memorial Park and the memorial honoring 
the life of Freddy Fender.

                          ____________________