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LULAC Celebrates Veterans Day

November 11, 2009

Contact: Lizette Jenness Olmos  (202) 365-4553 mobile

LULAC thanks our Veterans for their Service to our Nation

Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country, celebrates Veterans Day.

“There are no words adequate enough to express my gratitude and appreciation to all the men and women who have honorably served in our armed forces,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. “Their personal sacrifices and devotion to our country have ensured our success and liberty. I extend a sincere salute and thank you to all veterans for protecting our freedom. I also wish to express my love and prayers to those injured in the line of duty. To the families of those brave and courageous men and women that gave their lives for their country, a million thanks and God Bless!”

There are approximately 23.2 million military veterans in the United States, according to the most recently available figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. That includes 1.1 million Hispanics and many of them are immigrants. Veterans and their families know the risks and sacrifices that come with their service. Their work is often difficult and takes them far away from family and can put them in life-threatening situations. Many veterans enter a life of public service after military duty and for that we are forever grateful.

LULAC lost a distinguished family member, Dr. L. Eduardo Caraveo from Woodbridge, VA in the massacre at Fort Hood this month. President Obama recognized him at a military service at Fort Hood yesterday. “Major Libardo Eduardo Caraveo spoke little English when he came to America as a teenager. But he put himself through college, earned a PhD, and was helping combat units cope with the stress of deployment. He's survived by his wife, sons and step-daughters,” said President Obama.

Dr. Caraveo was a member of LULAC and a husband, an uncle, a son and a father. We will always cherish him and what he did for LULAC. President Obama further elaborated, “It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy. But this much we do know -- no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. For what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice -- in this world, and the next.”

LULAC member Richard Fimbres, a 28 year Army veteran eloquently stated, “Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands, Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Amen.”

To assist our veterans and to honor and express our gratitude to them, LULAC is holding a national veterans summit on December 3-5 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. There will be a free two-day expo showcasing services, education and employment opportunities and resources to start your own business. The job fair features top companies and federal agencies looking to hire. Other issues of critical importance to U.S. veterans and their families will be addressed in a state with over 13.2 million Latino residents.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.