MOURNING THE LOSS OF NANCY ODA

On 2026-06-09, Representative Luz M. Rivas (D-CA-29) delivered a floor speech titled "MOURNING THE LOSS OF NANCY ODA" in the House.

MOURNING THE LOSS OF NANCY ODA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [House] [Page H4002] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1100 MOURNING THE LOSS OF NANCY ODA (Ms. Rivas of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, the San Fernando Valley mourns the loss of Nancy Oda. Nancy was born in the Tule Lake Segregation Center during World War II, where her family was persecuted for their Japanese heritage. Her family's hope was that she would bring harmony into the world and overcome the challenges and discrimination they were facing at the time. Nancy did what she could to bring that harmony by choosing a life of service to her community. She spent 32 years with the L.A. Unified School District, first as a teacher, then retiring as an elementary school principal. Nancy's work didn't stop in the classroom. She served as president of the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center and the Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition, where she worked tirelessly to preserve the history of Japanese-American incarceration and ensure that future generations would understand its impact. Nancy believed that preserving history was not simply about remembering the past; it was about protecting the future. She used her voice to advocate for immigrant communities and ensure that they can live their lives with dignity. Nancy will be remembered for her commitment to education, her devotion to community, and her unwavering belief in justice throughout the San Fernando Valley. Her memory will live on through the students whom she taught, the history she preserved, and the communities she strengthened. We were all fortunate to have met Nancy. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in her honor. Celebrating the Life and Service of Salvador Torres Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, today, we celebrate the life and service of Salvador Torres from Pacoima. Salvador was born and raised in Pacoima with his 12 siblings. After serving our country in Vietnam, Salvador came back to the valley where he worked at General Motors as a line worker to support his wife and three children, Marco, Fabiola, and Flor. According to Marco, Salvador's love and kindness can be seen and felt in everyone that he knew. Salvador was able to form a bond with anyone, whether it be over stories from military service or their shared love of the L.A. Dodgers. This was evident at his memorial service, where over 400 people attended to pay their respects and celebrate a beloved neighbor, veteran, and leader. Salvador's legacy lives on in his family, friends, and the community that he loved so dearly. He will be missed. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in honor of Salvador. ____________________