South Chicago church honors 12 fallen Vietnam War Mexican-American veterans for Memorial Day

Dozens got here collectively Sunday to pay tribute to 12 Mexican-American veterans who died whereas combating for the U.S. in Vietnam Battle.

The place 91st Avenue and Brandon Avenue meet in South Chicago was a festive tune, ringing from what’s referred to as “Freedom Nook.”

Many paid homage to the group’s Mexican roots as they gathered a day earlier than Memorial Day.

“Yearly, we come and we pay tribute and honor them,” stated Gloria Chavez-Gomez, relative of fallen veteran Antonio Chavez.

These fallen heroes have been members of “Our Woman of Guadalupe” parish and died in fight within the Vietnam Battle.

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A mural with their faces draped over the celebration as their household additionally confirmed as much as pay their respects.

“It was horrible, however you already know what? He fought for our nation. He was an superior individual from what we all know,” stated Deborah Rivera, relative of fallen Veteran Joseph Quiroz.

Our Woman of Guadalupe parish is the primary Mexican-American Catholic Church within the Metropolis of Chicago, and with the last word sacrifice these twelve troopers made within the Vietnam Battle, it offers the parish one other title.

“Our Woman of Guadalupe Parish misplaced extra males in Vietnam than some other parish in america,” stated Nancy Andrade, commissioner for the Metropolis Fee on Human Relations.

Whereas the title is marked with the ache that struggle brings, it is also a testomony of the bravery that was bred proper on this very group.

“All of this stuff are symbols which are very important to all of us, particularly those that have misplaced members of the family,” Chavez-Gomez added.