[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19549]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF HISPANIC AMERICAN SOLDIERS AND IN CELEBRATION OF 
                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2008

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hispanic 
servicemen and women that have chosen honorable paths of public service 
and devoted themselves to the cause of defending this great Nation.
  Since 1968, the United States has set aside a designated period of 
time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans and to 
celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. Our soldiers put themselves in 
harm's way and make sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy. The 
uniform they wear knows no gender, no social status, and no political 
affiliation. It knows that these brave souls share only one thing--a 
deep love for America.
  Master Sargeant Roy Perez Benavidez and Staff Sargeant Marcario 
Garcia were two remarkable individuals that proudly served in the U.S. 
Army. They were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their 
courage and heroic actions; Roy for his service in the Vietnam War and 
Marcario for his service in Germany during World War II. While these 
are two notable examples, there are many other Hispanic American 
soldiers that deserve our gratitude. These are the men and women who 
leave their loved ones to serve the greater good. They are the ones who 
put on the uniform everyday knowing that their sacrifices today 
guarantee us our freedom and safety tomorrow.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in expressing 
heartfelt gratitude to these soldiers.

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