To the Soldiers, Airmen, and Families of the National Guard
There
is a memorial marker in Arlington National Cemetery engraved with the
words “In Memory of Humbert Roque Versace.” A Soldier of Puerto Rican
and Italian heritage, Captain Versace was taken as a prisoner of war
after being ambushed in Vietnam. Despite grievous wounds, despite being
held in chains, despite being locked in isolation, Captain Versace
proved to be an indomitable force. He attempted to escape on four
separate occasions, he swore at his captors in English, Spanish, and
Vietnamese, and he did everything he could to maintain the morale of his
fellow American prisoners. The night before he was executed, his
fellow prisoners of war heard him singing “God Bless America” at the
very top of his lungs.
Captain
Versace is only one of the many Hispanic Americans who have honorably
worn the cloth of our Nation. The month of September is National
Hispanic Heritage Month, where we honor the contributions and culture of
Hispanic Americans, particularly those who serve in our Armed Forces.
That includes the predominately Hispanic 158th
Infantry Regiment from the Arizona National Guard, which inspired
General Douglas MacArthur to exclaim “No greater combat-fighting team
has ever deployed for battle.”
It
includes First Lieutenant Oscar F. Perdomo, a World War II fighter
pilot who became an “Ace in a Day” with five confirmed victories during
his final combat mission.
It includes Lieutenant General Edward Baca, the 23rd Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
It
includes the countless Hispanic Americans whose service continues
today, stepping forward to bear the weight of a solemn oath to our
Nation.
This
month, we celebrate a heritage of faith and family, of hard work and
dedication, of service and sacrifice. With gratitude, we thank the
Hispanic Americans who have given their all to be part of the American
story, and who help us keep our promise to be Always Ready, Always
There.
Sincerely,
Daniel R. Hokanson
General, U.S. Army
Chief, National Guard Bureau
Tony L. Whitehead
SEA, U.S. Air
National Guard Bureau