CO SJR015

Recognizes and commends Latina/o men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, from the American Revolution through present day.

Highlights approximately 500,000 Latina/o Americans who served in World War II, including the 158th Regimental Combat Team and 141st Infantry Regiment (all Spanish-speaking soldiers).

Notes that 61 Latina/o veterans have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, with 13 recipients from the Vietnam War where over 80,000 Latina/o service members served.

Documents the 1948 founding of the American GI Forum by Dr. Hector Garcia to address discrimination against Latina/o veterans denied Veterans Affairs benefits, including education, medical, and housing services.

Acknowledges current service of more than 156,000 active duty Latina/o service members and more than 1.2 million Latina/o veterans residing in the United States, with copies of the resolution to be sent to the American GI Forum of Colorado.