I received word hours ago that Gov. Perry has accepted our suggested date of February 4th to hold the formal ceremony giving the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in the City of Edinburg. These were the wishes of Freddy's mother Doila Gonzalez and we certainly appreciate the governor honoring her request. It was her wish that it be held on the anniversary date of her son's passing forty years ago. When I informed her of the news Ms. Gonzalez was excited and pleased.
Tonight, I visited with our city leaders to report the good news and to ask for their cooperation in making this event a fitting and special occasion. At tonight's meeting the news was met with a round of applause. Our school district leaders have pledged their support. I am looking forward to a very special event that will highlight one of Edinburg's most celebrated citizens who stands as an enduring symbol of so many South Texas servicemen.It's been a long legislative road but this effort is finally coming to it's fullest fruition. To see the dignity, joy and satisfaction on the face of "Edinburg's mother" is certainly worth it. Bringing honor to the servicemen of South Texas is priceless.
Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez is the first soldier from the Rio Grande Valley and the sixth overall to be awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor. He joins Technical Sgt. James M. Logan (1997), Lt. Jack Knight (1999), Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez (2001), Col. M. B. Etheredge (2003) and Capt. Robert Thomas Edlin (2005) as recipients.
The Rio Grande Guardian has the full story.
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