Raúl Grijalva: “I rise today in honor of Enrique, Jesus and Julio Zapata, and in particular, their honorable service in the Vietnam War.…”

“I rise today in honor of Enrique, Jesus and Julio Zapata, and in particular, their honorable service in the Vietnam War. I am proud to say these three brothers, who gave so much to our country, were born and raised in my district in the city of Nogales, Arizona. During the Vietnam era, Enrique, Jesus and Julio made the courageous decision to enlist in the United States military. Jesus Zapata served his tour of duty in Vietnam from June 4, 1965, to July 4, 1966. Enrique Zapata served two 6-month tours of duty in Vietnam with the United States Navy, enlisting July 20, 1964. Julio Zapata served in Vietnam from April 30, 1967, to April 30, 1968. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to these fine citizens and the countless Vietnam veterans who have not been accorded the full respect and appreciation they deserve from our country. As I speak today, they sit in the gallery of the House of Representatives. I hope those of my colleagues who meet them will thank them and extend their appreciation from all of us for the service they gave this country. On Cinco de Mayo, when we celebrate and acknowledge our diversity, let us also acknowledge the shared sacrifice that all Americans have made for this country.”