On Memorial Day, Latino Veterans Honor Fallen Friends, Family

*There’s no official count of Latinos who have died in combat throughout the history of the U.S. Latinos have fought and died for the U.S. since the revolutionary war, but it wasn’t until the Vietnam war that “Hispanics” were identified and counted. Veterans say that in battle there are no cultural, racial or ethnic distinctions – everyone is a solider. Still, the story of Latino sacrifice in battle is worth telling. The Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives published a study titled “U.S. Latino Patriots: From the American Revolution to Afghanistan”, it’s a 22 page document well worth the reading. You’ll find a list of Latino Congressional Medal of Honor recipients going back to the Civil War. VL


NBC_News_2013_logoBy  Brian Latimer, NBC News

This Memorial Day is particularly meaningful and intense for Pam Campos, an Analyst in the US Air Force, as well as for her partner Waylon Munson. For the couple, Monday’s holiday to commemorate those who have died while serving in the Armed Forces is personal.

“This past August one of my best friends passed away,” said Campos. Forrest Sibley was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 26, 2015.

“This specific Memorial Day feels extra special and pronounced,” said Campos.

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Although Memorial Day is entrenched in sadness, the solidarity Campos feels with her fellow servicemen and women reminds her that the veteran community is extremely small, but extremely united.

“I feel like Memorial Day is every day . . . READ MORE



[hoto by Ayrcan/Flickr]

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