By Rudy Escalante, Commander
American GI Forum, Region III
Guadalupe Hidalgo Chapter
P.O. Box 4792
Anaheim, California 92803
Anaheim, California - It's been fifty years since the good people of Three Rivers, Texas, arose in their majestic bigotry to deny burial to Pvt. Felix Longoria, in the land of his birth, in his hometown, in the country he had given his life to defend. Pvt. Longoria had, in the eyes of Three Rivers, Texas, committed the unforgivable transgression of being born a Meskin, and not even the act of committing the Supreme Sacrifice could be considered grounds for forgiveness of the previous error of his birth. This savage act by Three Rivers, incorporating as it did the worst traditions and customs of our society, was the catalyst for the formation of our organization, the American GI Forum (AGIF), by the late and honorable Dr. Hector P. Garcia.
Pvt. Longoria, who had been transported for reburial from the Philippine islands, was not buried in the cemetery of Three Rivers. This real life symbol of Chicano loyalty and sacrifice now honors the Arlington National Cemetery with his presence. We can forgive Three Rivers for their ignorance and hope that they years have brought enlightenment and true Christian ethics to this community. The intervening years have brought, with the help of the AGIF, progress to the Mexican-American community. Progress in the economic, political, and social areas. Economically, many of us are in income brackets we previously only dreamed about. Politically, we have elected councilmembers, mayors, supervisors, congressmembers, senators, and even some governors. But enough, we still lag far behind all of our co-citizens.
The progress we have made has served to open our eyes to the abysmal reality of our depressed position in American society and the tactics of those who wish to keep us mired in the morass of second-class citizenship. We know their strategies of divide and conquer. Of holding Mexican-American politicians captive through campaign contributions, other arm-twisting methods, and the smearing of those Chicano officials who won't be co-opted. Y en fin, Yes, progress has given us a broader, more realistic view of our society, but in spite of this clearer view of all the dragons, the snake pits, and assorted monsters confronting us, it has also made us wiser, stronger, and more confident of our abilities. it has renewed the pride in our heritage, and we can see ever more clearly the road to first-class citizenship. We can recognize and avoid the pitfalls of other previous emerging minorities. We know that our experience and sacrifices were wasted if we have not learned compassion.
So then, on our 50th anniversary, let our goal be not only equality and full citizenship for Hispanics, but for all Americans. Let our suffering guide us to see that other Americans not endure the cruelties and indignities that have been inflicted on the Longoria family and the Mexican-American people. The words of ex-Forumeer editor, Dave Sienna, in our 1971 convention brochure are still timely. Enjoy the hospitality of the Califas Chicanos, indulge yourself in the fun and excitement of Southern California, sufran con el calor, but always, but always, bear in mind the reasons which brought us together in 1948 and why they bring us together today. Les deseo amor, salud, dinero, y tiempo para gozarlo.