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& #39;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!