@TAMUCC / Dr. Hector P. Garcia’s legacy lives on at the Island University. Happy to celebrate Dr. Garcia with Cecilia Garcia Akers and our Islander team. Congrats to fellow alumna Kristeen Baum  who gave a fabulous presentation on how Dr. Garcia’s advocacy for food insecurity in the 1970s is still relevant today! Images courtesy of TAMUCC

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From the Office of Texas Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, a Mexican-American civil rights leader who founded the American GI forum and fought for the rights of Hispanics in our country. In 2009, I authored and passed legislation designating the third Wednesday in September as Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day through Senate Bill 495. The bill authorized the observance of the day by schools and state agencies to honor Dr. Garcia and teach our younger generations about his legacy.

All Texans should remember Dr. Hector P. Garcia, an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to public service and the equal treatment of all. Dr. Garcia courageously fought for the civil rights of veterans and Hispanics, breaking down the barriers they faced to education, health care, fair labor practices, and housing. He demonstrated leadership and sacrifice in his fight to protect our liberties and ensure that all Americans are treated with dignity and respect.

Dr. Garcia embodies the spirit of selflessness and public service. As a private American citizen, he exercised his constitutional rights to elevate awareness about the plight of neglected Americans. As a physician, he provided access to medical care to underserved communities. As a soldier, he demonstrated valor and sacrifice as he fought to protect our liberties. Dr. Hector P. Garcia never wavered in his commitment to the United States Constitution and equality for all.

Dr. Garcia was the first Mexican-American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our country's highest civilian honor, and earned a Bronze Star and six battle stars for his military service. He served as an advisor to Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter and served as the first Hispanic on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. To further honor his service and legacy, I also passed legislation naming a portion of State Highway 286 in Corpus Christi, the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Highway.

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Cecilia GarcIa Akers : I attended a Holy Mass at Incarnate Word Academy this Wednesday in celebration of Dr. Hector P Garcia Texas State Recognition Day. I was gifted this beautiful painting, signed by every student, and many hand made cards. I was moved to tears. I never expect anything in return, just trying to help students in need. Needless to say, all the tears, work and battles are well worth it. My deepest appreciation to Incarnate Word Academy.

Images from Incarnate Word Academy Mass celebration honoring Dr. Hector P. Garcia. We donated $2000 for tuition assistance.

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Cecilia Garcia Akers : Flashback from September-2015. I am honored and proud to have been featured today in the CITGO ad placed in the Corpus Christi Caller Times.. Special thanks to Larry Elizondo Sr. for your faith in me and the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation.

#BeLikeHector