[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 28 (Monday, February 28, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING EVANGELISTO RAMIREZ GARCIA

 Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, last month, my home 
State of New Mexico lost a great man when Mr. Evangelisto ``Evans'' 
Ramirez Garcia, a survivor of the Bataan Death March, passed away at 
the age of 97. The loss of a hero such as Mr. Garcia is felt not only 
by New Mexicans but by our entire country--which is forever indebted to 
those brave men captured in Bataan. I would like to take a few moments 
to honor him today.
  Mr. Garcia's life tells a story of patriotism in its finest form. He 
served in two wars, earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and POW Medal 
among other commendations, and continued to support veterans' issues 
long after he completed his military service.
  Cutting his university studies short to enlist in the U.S. Army in 
1941, Mr. Garcia and his fellow soldiers stationed in the Philippines 
played a vital role in the eventual victory of the Allied forces. They 
gave little merit to their own safety or comfort and helped to slow the 
Japanese advance, giving Allied troops the time to reorganize and 
reverse Japan's progress.
  Mr. Garcia credited his faith as giving him the spiritual strength to 
survive the three years of inhumane conditions and atrocities he faced 
at the hands of his captors--including the 55-mile Bataan Death March.
  Mr. Garcia's dedication to his country did not waiver in the 
following years and he reenlisted in the Army as the Korean war 
escalated. He served another year before settling down in Santa Fe.
  As an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a regular 
volunteer at the VA Hospital, and a participant in marches 
commemorating the Bataan Death March, Mr. Garcia touched many lives 
through his continued support of fellow veterans.
  For those who knew him it was evident that he was no less devoted in 
his personal life. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-
grandfather. For his family, it will be the times spent fishing 
together that they will remember and miss the most.
  While Mr. Garcia was a hero to his country, he was a personal hero to 
two of his grandsons who followed in his footsteps and joined the 
military themselves.
  Let us honor this hero's legacy, and all those who serve our country, 
by continuing Mr. Garcia's work and supporting those who have made so 
many sacrifices for our country.

                          ____________________