22/09/2021
Dr. Hector P. Garcia, a proud Mexican American, had an amazing life! He was born on January 17,1914. During his lifetime he was a physician, surgeon, a veteran, civil rights advocate, and founder of the American G.I. Forum.
Dr. Hector P. Garcia led a long, decorated career as a US Army officer who served in World War II, earning six Bronze Stars for his efforts. But perhaps his bravest mission involved putting his name on the line for a fellow fallen soldier. In 1945, Army Private Félix Longoria was killed by a Japanese sniper in the Philippines. Longoria’s body was returned to his native Three Rivers, Texas, where his family sought to use a funeral chapel in the town. However, Longoria’s family was rebuffed when the funeral director stated that “the whites won’t like it” if the service were held at the chapel. After hearing about Longoria’s story, Garcia lobbied then-President Lyndon B. Johnson to correct the situation. Johnson eventually heard about Garcia’s efforts and agreed that Longoria be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
In 1948, Dr. Hector Garcia founded the American G.I. Forum (AGIF). The AGIF is a congressionally charted Hispanic veterans and civil rights organization. This organization is still around today doing amazing work to help promote education and civil rights.
In 1967, he was made a representive to the United Nations. In 1968, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
