On this Memorial I choose to honor my Grandmother - Mama Juanita - a Mexican refugee who found protection in Texas in 1917, after fleeing with her young family to escape the Mexican revolutionary wars. She gave birth to 9 children in the US, and raised them well in the midst...1/

...of the Great Depression. This humble refugee sent off 3 of her sons to fight the Nazis in Europe, and two of her sons-in -law to fight the Japanese in the South Pacific. I cry over the pain and sacrifice she must have endured as an American patriot, with 5 of her children...2/

...at war.

Hail Mama Juanita, a refugee who loved this country with all of her faculties, and bore the pain of her patriotism with honor and dignity. 3/

To my brave Tios - Jose, Camilo, Arturo, and Lorenzo, and to my dad Juvencio, who stepped up, risking it all, to keep us free. I carry your #resistance in my heart. I'll never forget your sacrifices.

Rest well knowing you have done your duty to keep us free.

Rest well Mama Juanita, knowing that you have done your duty as a loving mother and a true American patriot. All of America salutes you!