250 to 250: 94. Héctor García, Narrated by Representative Vicente Gonzalez

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Héctor García, Narrated by Representative Vicente Gonzalez

United States Representative Vicente Gonzalez of Texas is an attorney who has served in public office since 2017. Here, Gonzalez details the life of Dr. Héctor Garcia, who advocated for the rights of Hispanic veterans. 

Dr. Hector P. Garcia served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

• After the war, he returned to South Texas.
• He worked as a doctor and helped people who had difficulty getting medical care.
• He also helped Mexican American veterans get government services and benefits.
• In 1948, Garcia started the American GI Forum.
• The organization worked for veterans and civil rights for Hispanic Americans.
• Garcia spoke out against poverty and discrimination.
• He worked to end the poll tax in Texas, which made it harder for poor people to vote.
• He also supported better pay and living conditions for farmworkers and other workers.
• Garcia worked for equal rights and opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• Reagan praised Dr. Garcia for his patriotism, community service, and good citizenship.
• Dr. Garcia's work helped make the United States more equal and fair.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9.34. Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
• USCIS 100:53.  What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
• USCIS 128:67.   Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance. 

Family Fun:

• American GI Forum Foundation: AGI Forum History
• BESE: Hidden Figuras: Private Felix Longoria
• Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation: Dr. Garcia's Story
• NLM: Transcending Borders and Bias: The Multifaceted Life and Legacy of Dr. Hector Pérez García
• KIII: Hispanic Heritage Month: Today is Hector P. Garcia Day in Texas (Third Wednesday in September)
• NMAH: The Spirit of Latina/o Giving from the Shadows of War
• NPS: American Science, American Medicine, and American Latinos
• PBS: Justice for My People: The Hector P. Garcia Story
• PBS Independent Lens: The Longoria Affair: Lyndon Johnson and Dr. Hector Garcia (clip)
• Postal Museum: 20-cent Hispanic Americans stamp
• uscitizenpod: Dr. Hector Perez Garcia coloring page
• VOA Creative: Pioneer Hector Garcia: Hispanic Heritage 2013