[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 1, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE CALIFORNIA LGBTQ VETERANS MEMORIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2019

  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication of the 
California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial.
  The memorial honors LGBTQ veterans across the nation who bravely 
defended our country and the freedoms we hold dear. California is the 
first state in the nation to have a state memorial for LGBTQ veterans, 
which enshrines the sacrifices of our LGBTQ service members and 
reaffirms our commitment to the LGBTQ community.
  The unveiling and dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, April 
27, 2019 in Cathedral City, California. Organized by AMVETS, an 
organization that enhances and safeguards our nation's support for 
veterans, this event included a wreath-laying service to remember our 
deceased veterans.
  The ceremony also honored 26 individuals with a dove release. 
Honorees included Jon Castro, an Army soldier from Corona, California, 
who was killed in the bombing of a mess hall in Iraq. The Rancho Mirage 
Chapter of Veterans for Peace, a veterans group dedicated to building a 
culture of peace in our communities, was named in his honor.
  All of our veterans regardless of gender, race, religion, sexuality, 
or gender identity deserve our respect for courageously putting their 
lives on the line to protect our nation. And with this memorial, we 
will recognize our LGBTQ soldiers who fight every day to defend our 
country and protect liberty. It is our solemn duty to honor and respect 
their service.
  I am grateful to AMVETS, Veterans for Peace, and all of the other 
wonderful organizations and people who made this memorial possible. On 
behalf of the residents of California's thirty-sixth congressional 
district, I thank the thousands of LGBTQ Americans who have fought and 
continue to fight to defend our nation. We will never forget their 
service.

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