[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 19 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RITCHIE VALENS

  (Mr. CARDENAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
legacy of one of San Fernando Valley's great sons, Ritchie Valens, on 
the 65th anniversary of his tragic death known as the day the music 
died.
  Richard Steven Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens, was born 
in my hometown of Pacoima, California, in 1941. Ritchie was only 17 
when songs like ``Come on, Let's Go,'' ``Donna,'' and ``La Bamba'' 
topped the charts, they defined an era of rock and roll music, and 
opened the doors for future Latino artists all across our country.
  On February 3, 1959, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper 
tragically lost their lives in a plane crash.
  Ritchie Valens' legacy lives on in his music, the Rock and Roll Hall 
of Fame, and public spaces like the Pacoima Post Office. A Member of 
Congress' name was inspired by Ritchie.
  Ritchie Valens is an example of the amazing talent that exists in our 
community, and his legacy will continue to be a source of pride for the 
entire San Fernando Valley for generations to come.

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