Floor SpeechNeutral2025-03-18

HONORING THE EDUARDO PEDREGON VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS

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Context

On 2025-03-18, Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE EDUARDO PEDREGON VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered defense, veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING THE EDUARDO PEDREGON VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E221-E222] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EDUARDO PEDREGON VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS ______ HON. TONY GONZALES of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Eduardo Pedregon Veterans Memorial Museum, an extraordinary museum in my district that embodies the highest ideals of patriotism, sacrifice, and service to our Nation. Located in San Elizario, Texas--a historic border community founded in 1598--the Eduardo Pedregon Veterans Memorial Museum stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women from El Paso's Mission Valley who answered the call to serve in the United States Armed Forces. The museum commemorates the sacrifices of veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror, ensuring that their service and valor are never forgotten. It houses memorials dedicated to 20 fallen heroes and displays over 373 photographs of local veterans who have served with distinction. [[Page E222]] Opened in 2010 and dedicated in 2011, the San Elizario Veterans Memorial Museum is named after Corporal Eduardo Pedregon, who enlisted in the United States Army at the age of seventeen and was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment. Corporal Pedregon fought in the Korean War where he was killed in action--receiving the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and other recognitions. Beyond its role as a historical archive, the San Elizario Veterans Memorial Museum plays an integral role in organizing veteran recognition events--including the Annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, the Memorial Brick Walk, and the Honor Salute. None of this would be possible without the dedication of a remarkable group of volunteers, including Ray Borrego, Norma Reyes, Carmen Cruz, Pat Cruz, Martin Medina, Tony Grijalva, Al Borrego, and all the members of the San Elizario Veterans Committee. Their commitment to preserving the stories of our veterans ensures that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who served. Mr. Speaker, as a 20-year Navy veteran, I am incredibly proud to recognize this treasured museum and the volunteers who sustain its mission. It is an honor to represent such a vital landmark in Texas' 23rd Congressional District. ____________________

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HONORING THE EDUARDO PEDREGON VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E221-E222] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE EDUARDO PEDREGON VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS ______ HON. TONY GONZALES of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Eduardo Pedregon Veterans Memorial Museum, an extraordinary museum in my district that embodies the highest ideals of patriotism, sacrifice, and service to our Nation. Located in San Elizario, Texas--a historic border community founded in 1598--the Eduardo Pedregon Veterans Memorial Museum stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women from El Paso's Mission Valley who answered the call to serve in the United States Armed Forces. The museum commemorates the sacrifices of veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror, ensuring that their service and valor are never forgotten. It houses memorials dedicated to 20 fallen heroes and displays over 373 photographs of local veterans who have served with distinction. [[Page E222]] Opened in 2010 and dedicated in 2011, the San Elizario Veterans Memorial Museum is named after Corporal Eduardo Pedregon, who enlisted in the United States Army at the age of seventeen and was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment. Corporal Pedregon fought in the Korean War where he was killed in action--receiving the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and other recognitions. Beyond its role as a historical archive, the San Elizario Veterans Memorial Museum plays an integral role in organizing veteran recognition events--including the Annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, the Memorial Brick Walk, and the Honor Salute. None of this would be possible without the dedication of a remarkable group of volunteers, including Ray Borrego, Norma Reyes, Carmen Cruz, Pat Cruz, Martin Medina, Tony Grijalva, Al Borrego, and all the members of the San Elizario Veterans Committee. Their commitment to preserving the stories of our veterans ensures that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who served. Mr. Speaker, as a 20-year Navy veteran, I am incredibly proud to recognize this treasured museum and the volunteers who sustain its mission. It is an honor to represent such a vital landmark in Texas' 23rd Congressional District. ____________________