November 11, 2005 :: No. 64

Cal State Fullerton and the Latino Advocates for Education are teaming up Saturday, Nov. 12, to honor veterans past and present at the ninth annual “Veterans Day Celebration: A Tribute to Mexican American Patriots of
World War II.”

The event, which will be held in the Titan Student Union, is open to the public free of charge. This is the fourth consecutive year Cal State Fullerton has hosted the celebration and the second year in a row it has centered on World War II veterans.

This year’s program, which starts at 10 a.m., is expected to draw at least 1,000 visitors and salute more than 500 veterans. Special recognition will be given to families who saw three or more brothers serve in World War II, and all veterans will be presented with the book “Undaunted Courage — Mexican American Patriots of World War II.”

“There is very little information written or in celluloid or on screen regarding Mexican American World War II veterans,” said Fredrick P. Aguirre, president of Latino Advocates for Education and an Orange County Superior Court judge. “We know they were in every battle, involved in every campaign and in every branch of service. Our event showcases over 500 World War II veterans, and it’s a very interesting window into their service.”

Congressional representatives Edward Royce (R-Fullerton), a CSUF alumnus, and Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden) are expected to attend the event, along with junior ROTC units from Santa Ana High School and Magnolia High School.

In addition to the 10 a.m. program, military memorabilia will be on display, beginning at 9 a.m., in and around the Titan Student Union’s Portola Pavilion.

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