September 20, 2020
After all these years, the story about Felix Longoria, which became a catalyst for the American GI Forum and the spread of civil rights and pride among Mexican Americans is rarely spoken about in Three Rivers, Texas. Many residents still deny discrimination and segregation within the town were the motives. Talking to the townspeople many say, “This was never about race”.12 The discrimination against Felix Longoria remain unspoken when travelers from distant areas come to learn about where the Longoria Affair began. You would assume, given that a historical moment occurred in Three Rivers would be especially vigilant about anything involving the Longorias and the right for equality, but no one-including the mayor, the owner of the property who reportedly tore down the structure and members of the historical commission would speak about Felix Longoria. The Felix Longoria marker was replaced years later, it is now located on the city square in Three Rivers. 13
Some might ask why resurrect such memories and not just let the memory of Felix Longoria rest in Arlington National Cemetery alongside all other war heroes. This ghost of their past haunts the town and many would prefer to forget about it. However, communities must make amends for the many wounds inflicted by discrimination against the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the United States of America. The Historic Marker is but one small way to redress decades of open discrimination against Mexican American Veterans. This fight and ultimate victory that validates the full Citizenship rights of those born American and from Hispanic or Mexican ethnicity changed the lives of everyone in the town. Private Felix Longoria made history while alive in World War II and after his death continued to challenged discrimination in Three Rivers, Texas. While it may be a time in history some would rather not remember, the Longoria Affair sheds light, honor, and prestige forever on the Mexican American Community and the sacrifices of Gold Star families regardless of ethnicity.
Bronze Service Star
Combat Infantryman’s Badge
Discrimination
Good Conduct Medal
Lyndon B. Johnson
Mexican American
Private Felix Longoria
esaucedomoreno
I really liked this article because it gave a lot of historical insight and it also talked a lot about discrimination in the mid 20-century. I was surprised with how I was able to learn from this article regarding the civil rights movement, and more importantly, Felix E. Longoria. He was a WWII hero who ended to getting killed by a Japanese sniper in 1945. Moreover, The use of pictures in this article helped me comprehend what was being talked about in the article. Overall, this was a very fun read because I was able to learn new things as well as get inspired for my infographic project.
27/09/2023
1:45 am
lsahadi
I found your article very enlightening. I’ve never heard of Felix Longoria before. After hearing his story it’s sad that a hero who died for this country couldn’t be honored because of his race. It shows how common racism in the workplace is. In my opinion I think racism has gotten worst in the past few years. This was a really good article and a very important subject matter.
27/09/2023
1:45 am
aramon11
Lulu you are doing excellent work by highlighting a hero not just to Americans, but especially us Mexican Americans. It is downright gross to hear about the treatment that people like us faced in those days even after serving our country. Felix Longoria deserved to be honored and I’m glad his family stuck up for his memory. I’m glad leaders like LBJ rose to the occasion and took up the fight with the Longoria family. I’ve been through Three Rivers before, but never heard this story before. Thank you for covering it.
27/09/2023
1:45 am
ldena
This was a great piece of information, the first paragraph definitely had me hooked which led to a great reading. I actually had never heard of Private Longorias story, its a very sad one especially since I am also of the same origin so it was hard to imagine that thats what life was like for us during that time period. I thought it was sad that someone gave up their life for a country that didn’t even fully respect them, and even more sad that they weren’t allowed to be honored in the right way until later. Overall this was some great information on a great story that was engaging and easy to read, great work.
27/09/2023
1:45 am
jcortez24
Good evening Lulu, I found your research really interesting and everything you found. I would use a bigger font next time since it’s so much information. I thought it was really amazing, including those pictures. I found it interesting to actually see the marker in three rivers since you talked about it in your research, it was nice to see a picture to actually show more of the significance it has with people.
27/09/2023
1:45 am
Professor Joseph M Fonseca, Jr
This has been 1 of best research papers on Felix that I Have read in a long time, well researched, Documented. Glad to see that the Marker is back where it belongs, and not hidden. 3 Rivers has always tried to keep this Hidden. Shameful !
06/10/2023
1:45 am
linda
I enjoyed reading about Felix Longoria who honorably served our nation. It is unfortunate that his family could not bury him near his hometown, but he was finally buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. This article demonstrated that when people gather for a good cause change happens. It is difficult to read about the struggles of Mexican American during this time but I am glad to see that he was honored.
13/10/2023
1:45 am
Alexis Silva
Mexican-American history is rarely taught or spoken about because it is not required in school, so people tend to forget its importance. I appreciate the time taken to dedicate a study towards Private Felix E. Longoria, while highlighting his significance to the civil rights movement for Mexican Americans. I would recommend making the font bigger while incorporating more pictures to fully capture the significance of Private Felix E. Longoria
10/12/2023
1:45 am
Mikayla Trejo
This piece was incredibly impactful. Learning about the discrimination in a post war Texas is extremely important as we can remember that this discrimination wasn’t as long ago as we think. Learning about the treatment of this veteran in a town that isn’t that far from San Antonio, is extremely disheartening. Thank you for sharing Felix Longoria’s story.
11/12/2023
1:45 am
dolivaresvasqu
Enjoyed learning about Mr.Longoria, being in Texas I’m surprised I haven’t heard of him yet. Happy to know that even though he served during a time of segregation in the end he was able to be buried on proper grounds with his proper honors and even had the local post office building named after him. It is odd that those who discriminated against him won’t speak on the history it seems the discrimination against him still continues in that area. Also glad to know that Lyndon B. Johnson gave him his recognition and considered his issue an important one.
27/09/2023
1:45 am