Bill Text: TX SR924 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Honoring the service of brothers Abran, Natividad, Nicholas, Albertano, Pilar, and Reyes Gonzales of Fort Stockton during World War II.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2017-05-29 - Reported enrolled [SR924 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-SR924-Enrolled.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 924
WHEREAS, Our nation's victory in World War II required the
dedication and sacrifice of millions of Americans and their
families, and the demands of that titanic struggle fell
especially heavily on the family of Pablo and Cruz Valencia
Gonzales of Fort Stockton, who sent six of their sons into harm's
way; and
WHEREAS, Pablo Gonzales was the son of Felix Gonzales, one
of the earliest settlers of Fort Stockton, and after the death of
his wife, Cruz, in 1933, he raised their 10 children with the help
of his sister, Carolina; during World War II, six of his sons
entered the U.S. Army and served honorably in Europe and the
Pacific and at bases in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The oldest brother, Private First Class Abran
Gonzales, was deployed to England and took part in the invasion
of France; Private Natividad Gonzales fought in Italy and helped
to liberate Rome; Private Nicholas Gonzales saw action during his
two years in the South Pacific, and the youngest of the six,
Private Albertano Gonzales, served with the 3rd Army, 5th
Infantry Division, in Europe, where he was personally presented
with the Silver Star by General George Patton for his gallantry
in combat; and
WHEREAS, Two other brothers were still awaiting their
overseas assignments when the war ended, with Private Pilar
Gonzales stationed at Camp Fannin near Tyler and Private Reyes
Gonzales based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the family's
youngest son, Isabel Gonzales, later followed in his older
brothers' footsteps and served in the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Today, more than 70 years after the end of World
War II, the six brothers have all passed away, but their children
and grandchildren continue to honor their memory and to share the
story of the brothers' sacrifice with the youngest members of the
family; and
WHEREAS, These brave Texans answered their nation's call to
duty and risked their lives to preserve democracy and liberty,
and their efforts offer a moving example of the immense
contributions that have been made by Hispanic Americans in the
United States armed forces; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby honor Abran, Natividad, Nicholas, Albertano,
Pilar, and Reyes Gonzales, Fort Stockton's own "Band of
Brothers," for their courageous service during World War II; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the Gonzales family as an expression of high regard from the
Texas Senate.
Uresti
Buckingham Menéndez Rodríguez
Campbell Nelson Seliger
Lucio Perry Taylor of Collin
Patrick, President of the Senate
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 29, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate