Veterans Celebrated as Focal Point of Hispanic Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) gathers Members of Congress and national leaders for its 30th anniversary Hispanic Heritage Month events, celebrating "Hispanic America: A Legacy of Honor," October 1 - 3, 2007. Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients, WWII veterans of El Paso's Company E, and Latino veterans now serving in the U.S. Congress highlight the week's events.

Company E of El Paso, TX (141st Army Infantry Regiment, 36th Division) will be recognized during a Salute to Veterans at the Public Policy Conference. Company E was the only all-Chicano unit during World War II. Despite their heroism in confronting German forces, they still faced discrimination at home. Company E members Ricardo Palacios, Sr., accompanied by his son, Ricardo Palacios, Jr., and David Navarrete, son of Company E member Captain Gabriel Navarrete, will participate in the event. Hispanic Members of Congress who have served in the military will also share their stories, including Congressmen Joe Baca, Solomon Ortiz, Silvestre Reyes, and John Salazar.

Forty Members of Congress, an unprecedented number, unite to honor Hispanic veterans at the 30th Annual Gala. This year's Chairman's Award, selected by CHCI Chairman, Hon. Joe Baca (CA-43), will honor all Hispanic veterans who have served our country and pay tribute to three of five living Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients who will be present, Alejandro Renteria Ruiz, Rodolfo Perez Hernandez, and Alfred Rascon.

In addition, Congressman Ciro Rodrigues will host a Summit on veterans as part of the Public Policy Conference.

    Public Policy Conference     Washington DC Convention Center

    Tuesday October 2, 2007
    8:00 am - 10:00 am    Summit on Veterans
                          Hosted by Congressman Ciro Rodriguez

     11:30 am - 12:30 pm  Salute to Veterans: Latino Veterans in Their Own
                          Words
                          With Company E and Latino veterans in Congress

    30th Annual Gala      Washington DC Convention Center

    6:30 pm -10:00 pm     Honoring Hispanic veterans and Medal of Honor
                          recipients

For press credentials, please contact: Scott Gunderson Rosa at 202-340-7073 or via email at sgunderson_rosa@chci.org.