Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jarred Woods | Alex Rivas holds his service photo from WWII during the reception following a...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas - Gratitude, remembrance, and recognition were the themes of the evening as members of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment of the 36th Texas Division, 5th Army were presented their high school diplomas from Bowie High School by Texas Independent School District Superintendent Juan Cabera, July 25.
The graduation ceremony, held in BHS’s fine arts auditorium, honored those who had previously attended the school.
Texas state law allows for service members that had either been drafted or who left school in order to serve in the armed forces during a time of war to obtain their high school diploma.
WWII Veterans, Andres Saucedo and Alex Rivas of El Paso, Richard Palacios of Austin, and Angel Ponce of Rowland Heights, Calif., were among four surviving members being honored. Also, family members of Abner Carrasco, Alfonso Hernandez and Roque Segura were in attendance to receive diplomas on behalf of their deceased heroes.
Rivas, now in his nineties, had few, yet fitting, words to express his enthusiasm.
“I was in school, but I was in the National Guard and was called to duty,” said the 4th platoon veteran. “I’m surprised, but I’m happy that I got a diploma. I feel much better.”
Not a single element was overlooked throughout the combination of a military and graduation ceremony, to include the posting of the colors, singing of the national anthem and invocation. Following a personal welcome from BHS Principal Jesus Teran, attendees viewed a film documentary entitled, ‘Men of Company E,’ introduced by Arnulfo Hernandez, a member of the BHS Alumni Association and organizer for the event. After the awarding of the diplomas, those in attendance were given a historical overview of Company E in WWII.
Company E was the military’s first ever unit comprised almost entirely of Mexican-American Soldiers. These men distinguished themselves by fighting throughout multiple campaigns to include North Africa, Italy and Southern France; earning such valorous awards as the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Stars and numerous Purple Hearts; just to name a few.
Although the ceremony was dedicated to these WWII Veterans, there was an underlying significance. Hernandez emphasizes this particular sentiment.
“For the kids, we want them to know that these are role models that walked in their shoes. Don’t drop out. Stay in school. Earn your diploma and continue with education as much as you can. You will be well rewarded.”
After more than 70 years, WWII veterans continue to inspire future generations. The sacrifices these distinguished individuals made still serve as a shining example of what people are willing to endure in America’s hour of need.
| Date Taken: | 07.28.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2014 16:52 |
| Story ID: | 137658 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 235 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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