Little Village Arch
Floor Speech
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Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, this Hispanic Heritage Month, I rise to celebrate the iconic landmark in my district, the ``Little Village Arch,'' ``el Arco de La Villita.''
Since 1990, the arch has become the gateway to the largest Mexican community in the Midwest. It is a symbol of economic, cultural, and social contributions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the city and the region. It is a reminder to younger generations to be proud of their roots.
The arch is located on West 26th Street, a commercial corridor which is also the second highest revenue generator in Chicago, with businesses predominantly owned by Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants.
As an alderman in 1987, I had the vision of a marker that would celebrate the growing Mexican population in the city and foster community pride. I wanted a monument modeled after Mexican architecture, something that would make 26th Street stand out.
I got to work and secured the funds with the support of numerous community members, small business owners, and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, and together we began the process to make this dream come true.
The design was commissioned to architect Adrian Lozano, also an immigrant from Mexico, and the contractors who helped build it were Ron Baltierra and Dave Ramirez, both Vietnam veterans. All of them poured their hearts and souls into the design and construction of the arch.
The Little Village Arch has become the heart of the Mexican community in the Midwest. People come from all over the U.S. to visit it. The annual Mexican Independence Day Parade that just celebrated its 53rd year kicks off from the arch.
Two years ago the city council officially approved the landmark status for the arch, thus beginning the much-needed restoration process. I am proud to say that the clock that hangs on the arch, a gift from the Mexican Government, was successfully restored by the original makers, Relojes Centenario, the oldest clockmakers in Mexico.
It is an honor and pride to be part of the origin story of the arch. Mr. Speaker, when you come to my neighborhood, I will take you to the arch and say: ``Welcome to the Little Village,'' ``Bienvenidos a La Villita.'' Honoring Benito Morales
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Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we often talk about our cultural and economic contributions, but we cannot forget that Latinos have served our country in every war since the Revolutionary War.
Today, I rise to honor the contributions and patriotism of one of those heroes: Benito Morales.
Benito was born in a small town in Texas during the Great Depression. He attended segregated schools, where he and his brother constantly faced discrimination.
Benito had to start working after finishing the fourth grade. Later, his family moved to Chicago looking for better opportunities. By the time he was 19 years old, Benito was called to service at the height of World War II. He served our country, fighting across France and into Germany.
During the crossing of the Ludendorff Bridge across the Rhine River on March 8, 1945, an enemy artillery shell burst directly in front of the vehicle in which Private Morales was riding.
With complete disregard for his personal safety, he assisted in the evacuation of 11 American soldiers to the nearest station. His heroism earned him the Bronze Star Medal, but it took 75 years and the advocacy of his fellow veterans for the Army to add V for valor to his medal.
In 2016, Benito was awarded the French Government's Legion of Honor Medal by the French Consul General, for which I had the honor to be present. Benito is currently a member of The American Legion Manuel Perez, Jr., Post 1017 in Chicago.
He is now 101 years old, and his life is a perfect example of the contributions that the Latino community has made to the United States.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Benito for his bravery and continued service to our country and community. Honoring Sylvia Puente
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Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and community leader, Sylvia Puente, who has served for nearly 18 years as president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum and will step down at the end of this year.
Sylvia is a public policy expert whose activism began at the age of 13, walking the picket line with her mom in support of farmworkers. She has spent her career advocating for justice, equity, and economic prosperity.
Sylvia's last name, Puente, means ``bridge'' in Spanish and translates into her own personal mission statement, which is to build bridges of understanding and opportunity within and between the Latino community and the larger society.
Mr. Speaker, we wish her Godspeed in her new endeavors as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
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