U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor presided over the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday, as legislators honored Hispanic Veterans of World War II. 

    “I was honored to preside over the House of Representatives during this special time,” said Castor. “The stories of these heroes have gone untold for too long and they hold a special place in my community.” 

    As Rep. Castor presided in the chair, the special hour was anchored on the House floor by U.S. Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, who highlighted the courage and honor of the over 500,000 Hispanics who bravely served the United States during World War II. Also speaking were the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, U.S. Rep. Joe Baca, U.S. Rep. Charlie A. Gonzalez, U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano, U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz, and U.S. Rep. Jim Costa. 

    World War II was a turning point for many Latinos in the United States, changing the world views of an entire generation. Many of them returned home to stand up for themselves, their family and their neighbors against the discrimination they thought they had left behind. 

    “It was inspiring to hear how these veterans got together and founded what became powerful organizations to help their community, but in the end they really helped all Americans”, said Castor. The Members of the House spoke for example of the American GI Forum, founded by Dr. Hector Garcia of Corpus Christi in 1948 to advocate for veterans’ rights, and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, founded by veterans like Pete Tijerina and Texas Senator Gregory Luna, after finding that their clients, mostly low-income Mexican Americans, were being denied justice in the legal system. 
   
    Four members of Congress were among those honored: Chairman Silvestre Reyes, Chairman Solomon Ortiz, the Honorable John Salazar, and the honorable chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Joe Baca.