WHEREAS, the city Council of Los Angeles, California recently approved the erection of the Eugene A. Obregon Congressional Medal of Honor Monument, recognizing the sacrifice, valor and courage of all Hispanic men and women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States in all conflicts in defense of these United States
WHEREAS, the effort is led by founder William Douglas Lansford and the Eugene A. Obregon-CMH Memorial Foundation, which was formed on September 16, 1993. It was established by the American Veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, who have established a non-profit, tax exempt Foundation (IRS # 95-4457163)
WHEREAS, it is dedicated to erecting a monument in the name of, Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon, USMC, recipient of America's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Seoul, Korea, on 26 September 1950."
WHEREAS, out of a total of 3,427 Congressional Medal of Honor granted by the U.S. Congress, 39 have been awarded to citizens of "Latino" ancestry, establishing Latinos as the largest single ethnic group, in proportion to the number who served, to earn this prestigious award.
WHEREAS, the Eugene A. Obregon-CMH Memorial Foundation's goal is to promote the building of a monument honoring those Congressional Medal of Honor recipients that are of Latino descent. They want to build this monument because they feel that the contributions made by Latino citizens to the nation have never been properly recognized. It has become too easy for some of our fellow Americans to ignore, dismiss, or question the sacrifices that people of Latino ancestry have made for our country.
WHEREAS, the purpose is to make the public aware of the significant
contribution of Latinos to the defense of our American ideals.
Other Americans for example, do not commonly know that 39 Latinos
have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, making Latinos
the largest single ethnic group, in proportion to the number who
served, to earn this prestigious award
WHEREAS, the story of Private First Class Eugene A. Obregon's
ultimate sacrifice is but one illustration of the valor and loyalty
demonstrated by the 39 Latino recipients of the Congressional
Medal of Honor, America's highest award for heroism. These Latino
American servicemen- time and again have demonstrated their devotion
to America, and to the ideals of freedom upon which it was founded,
and have been awarded more Congressional Medals of Honor, proportional,
than any ethnic group.
WHEREAS, Pfc. Obregon personifies this ideal, due to the dramatic circumstances of his courageous deed and because, in giving his life to preserve that of a fellow Marine (Pfc.Bert M. Johnson, a Texas Anglo), he exemplifies the loyalty and brotherhood which should exist among all Americans, regardless of race or religion.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this organization, The
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) joins in full
endorsement and support along with the Los Angeles Chapter of
the 11th Airborne Division Association of Southern California,
"Rakkasans" Chapter One and "Rakkasans" Steel
Beret Chapter in their efforts to support Mr. William Douglas
Lansford, Founder, and the Eugene A. Obregon-CMH Memorial Foundation's
Campaign in their goal to build the Eugene A. Obregon Congressional
Medal of Honor Monument in Father Serra Park in the city of Los
Angeles, California.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Texas League of United Latin
American Citizens urge the U.S. Department of Defense, Congressmen
and Congresswomen via President George W. Bush to support in the
construction and maintenance including an educational K through
12 outreach program of this important monument on Hispanic heroes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Executive Board Members and general members contact their federally elected officials to urge the support of the Eugene A. Obregon Congressional Medal of Honor Monument.
Submitted by Council 4568, District: 21.
Approved this 29th day of June, 2002.
Hector M. Flores
LULAC National President