Rubén Hinojosa: “it is a great honor and personal privilege to stand before you to pay tribute to one of our bravest and finest…”

“it is a great honor and personal privilege to stand before you to pay tribute to one of our bravest and finest Americans, Pete C. Jaramillo, a loving father and grandfather, devoted son and brother, courageous soldier, loyal civil servant and great human being. Pete C. Jaramillo of Belen, New Mexico, passed away on April 26, 2002, after a long illness. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentle manner, humility, deep compassion, kindness, and his dignity. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Mr. Jaramillo was born in Arroyo Colorado (Red Canyon), New Mexico, a small community in the Manzano Mountains. He was the first son and one of nine children born to Aurelia Chavez and Andres Jaramillo. Like many children reared in the 1920s and early 1930s, the Great Depression forced Mr. Jaramillo to grow up quickly. Economic hardships were abundant, and there was always someone's situation that was worse than his. The Depression taught Jaramillo the importance of helping others, and throughout his life he was known to lend a helping hand to those in need.”