[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16869]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              VETERANS DAY

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. President, I rise to speak on an important 
holiday we will recognize later this week. Veterans Day is a time we 
have set aside to pause and remember the veterans who have sacrificed 
so much for our country. We honor them for their courage and dedication 
in helping secure our freedom. It is without saying that we are all 
indebted to these men and women and we celebrate them and their 
selfless service on behalf of every American.
  Last month the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month came to a 
close, but as Veterans Day nears, I believe that it is timely and 
fitting to call attention to the contributions of the American Latinos 
who have served in every major war of the United States and continue to 
be an invaluable part of America's military.
  Approximately 1.3 million of America's current 22.7 million veterans 
are of Hispanic origin. In Colorado, each of these veterans deserves 
our recognition and continued support. Due to the sacrifice of so many 
from our state, such as Medal of Honor recipient Joe P. Martinez, who 
was laid to rest in 1943 in Ault, CO, our country has been made 
stronger.
  Other veterans, such as Albert Gonzales, a Colorado Springs resident 
who currently serves as the national commander of the American G.I. 
Forum and was recently appointed by President Obama as a member of the 
National Selective Service Appeal Board, demonstrate the ongoing 
commitments of Colorado's veterans. Albert represents another example 
of the thousands of exemplary Coloradan Hispanic veterans.
  In Colorado, paying tribute to the State's Hispanic veterans is a 
strong part of our effort to support all veterans. In the small 
southeastern Colorado agricultural town of Avondale, which has come to 
call itself the ``Pueblito of Heroes,'' it has become an annual 
tradition to recognize the many veterans who have served from this 
small community. Just this year, they honored long-time resident 
Eutimio Sandoval who received a Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, 
Japan Service Medal and a 50th anniversary medal for his service.
  Many humble men and women who have served in our military are 
celebrated in communities across Colorado, and I wish to join them to 
express my appreciation and highlight the contributions of 
servicemembers of all backgrounds that make up the larger family of 
veterans who have given so much.
  This November 11, I encourage everyone to take the time to thank a 
veteran and servicemember for his or her involvement in protecting 
America and the principles for which we stand.

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