[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1100
MOURNING THE LOSS OF NANCY ODA
(Ms. Rivas of California was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, the San Fernando Valley mourns the loss of
Nancy Oda.
Nancy was born in the Tule Lake Segregation Center during World War
II, where her family was persecuted for their Japanese heritage. Her
family's hope was that she would bring harmony into the world and
overcome the challenges and discrimination they were facing at the
time.
Nancy did what she could to bring that harmony by choosing a life of
service to her community. She spent 32 years with the L.A. Unified
School District, first as a teacher, then retiring as an elementary
school principal.
Nancy's work didn't stop in the classroom. She served as president of
the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center and the Tuna
Canyon Detention Station Coalition, where she worked tirelessly to
preserve the history of Japanese-American incarceration and ensure that
future generations would understand its impact.
Nancy believed that preserving history was not simply about
remembering the past; it was about protecting the future. She used her
voice to advocate for immigrant communities and ensure that they can
live their lives with dignity.
Nancy will be remembered for her commitment to education, her
devotion to community, and her unwavering belief in justice throughout
the San Fernando Valley. Her memory will live on through the students
whom she taught, the history she preserved, and the communities she
strengthened.
We were all fortunate to have met Nancy.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in her honor.
Celebrating the Life and Service of Salvador Torres
Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, today, we celebrate the life and service of
Salvador Torres from Pacoima.
Salvador was born and raised in Pacoima with his 12 siblings. After
serving our country in Vietnam, Salvador came back to the valley where
he worked at General Motors as a line worker to support his wife and
three children, Marco, Fabiola, and Flor.
According to Marco, Salvador's love and kindness can be seen and felt
in everyone that he knew. Salvador was able to form a bond with anyone,
whether it be over stories from military service or their shared love
of the L.A. Dodgers. This was evident at his memorial service, where
over 400 people attended to pay their respects and celebrate a beloved
neighbor, veteran, and leader.
Salvador's legacy lives on in his family, friends, and the community
that he loved so dearly. He will be missed.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in honor of Salvador.
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