On the recordJuly 11, 2024
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Ventura Hernandez de la Torre, who passed away on July 8 after celebrating his 100th birthday. Ventura served under General Patton in World War II and witnessed the destruction of the Nazi regime across Europe. He was there to liberate the survivors of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Later, he was wounded in France while fighting to liberate that great country. Upon his return home, Ventura married his sweetheart and started a family in the city of Fullerton in my district. He spent the next several decades in service to others and was a staple across our communities. Ventura is part of our Greatest Generation. He is survived by children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many adopted family members. I thank Mr. Ventura for his service to our country and our community. We will miss him. God bless him. ____________________
