[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 22, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF IGNACIO GONZALES

  (Mr. CORREA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, a soldier takes his oath of service, 
swearing allegiance to our country and to our flag. When 92-year-old 
Korean war vet Ignacio Gonzales saw a young man take his American flag 
from his porch, he went into action.
  The 92-year-old Ignacio chased the man down, retrieved the American 
flag, and returned it to its proper place in front of his home. Later 
on, he laughingly told his wife: ``They didn't know I could run that 
fast.''
  After the flag incident, his son, Vicente, told his father: ``It is 
not worth the danger, Dad, chasing down a hoodlum to retrieve your $20 
flag.'' Ignacio corrected his son and said: ``This isn't just a flag. 
This American flag flies in memory of your uncles, George and Manuel 
Gonzales.''
  Both fought in World War II. George fought in the Battle of the 
Bulge, and Manuel fought in the Rhineland campaign. Ignacio fought in 
the Korean war and was awarded many medals, including the Combat 
Infantry Badge that is given only to soldiers who fought in active 
ground combat.
  Ignacio passed away quietly on June 9, and I have never been more 
proud of one of my countrymen. He was also a graduate from Anaheim High 
School, my alma mater. He was class of 1949.

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