[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRESSMAN MRVAN CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. From 
September 15, 2021 to October 15, 2021, the people of the United States 
will once again celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and 
contributions of our Hispanic American community. As a lifelong 
resident of Northwest Indiana, in honor of this special month, I would 
like to pay tribute to two truly outstanding local Hispanic community 
leaders, the late Jesse Gomez and Rosemarie Gomez.
  Jesse Gomez was born on April 5, 1920 in East Chicago, Indiana. He 
was elected East Chicago City Councilman in 1963, making him the first 
person of Hispanic descent to be elected to political office in the 
city, as well as in the state of Indiana. Mr. Gomez served three 
consecutive terms as councilman and was elected Council President twice 
during his tenure. His election and time in office was especially 
significant in that it opened political doors for the Hispanic 
community throughout the city of East Chicago and beyond. During his 
career, Jesse was also appointed Manager of the East Chicago License 
Bureau and served as Deputy Clerk in the Lake County Treasurer's office 
and Assistant Deputy for the Lake County Assessor's office. Jesse Gomez 
passed away on August 31, 1979, leaving an indelible mark in Northwest 
Indiana's history. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie, four beloved 
children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout his 
life, Mr. Gomez successfully advocated for the interests and rights of 
the Hispanic community throughout the region and the state. We are 
truly grateful for Jesse's remarkable contributions, and his legacy 
will remain a cornerstone for the Hispanic community and for all of 
Northwest Indiana.
  Rosemarie Gomez was born on January 14, 1926 in Saltillo, Coahuila, 
Mexico. As a child, her family traveled back and forth between Mexico 
and the United States. She and Jesse made their home in East Chicago, 
and after Jesse's passing, Rosemarie was selected to replace him on the 
East Chicago City Council. This made her the first Hispanic female to 
serve in any political office in East Chicago. Throughout the years, 
Mrs. Gomez has given of her time and efforts to the city of East 
Chicago and to the Hispanic community. The pursuit of quality education 
has always been of utmost importance to Rosemarie, and she has always 
made it a point to instill these values in her children and 
grandchildren. Throughout the years, she has dedicated much of her time 
to the East Chicago Public Library. Among her many projects with the 
library, for twenty years Mrs. Gomez volunteered to decorate a Mexican-
themed Christmas tree for the library's ``Christmas Around the World'' 
exhibit. For her dedication and commitment to the Hispanic community, 
and to the city of East Chicago and beyond, Rosemarie is worthy of our 
highest praise and everlasting gratitude.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Our 
nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural 
diversity of its people, and the extraordinary contributions of 
citizens such as Jesse and Rosemarie Gomez, who have improved the 
quality of life for generations to come. This month, and always, we 
honor the many Hispanic members of our communities who have added to 
the prosperity of the United States and who have enriched our lives and 
the culture of our great nation.

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