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
Aaron Astudillo
The content of this article is very enlightening as I was unaware of the impact that Felix E. Longoria had on the culture of American politics. The way that Longoria’s legacy created the G.I forum, which aids veterans in receiving benefits, is phenomenal as it displays the impacts and progress of individuals of Latin descent.
19/01/2023
1:45 am
Melanie Fraire
For someone to go out of their way and sacrifice their life for a country that treated him and his people as if they weren’t human, is already something very admirable and it’s shocking that no one recognized his bravery and even felt the need to disrespect him even after being killed. This article was very well written and I enjoyed how it was structured to show the sequence in which each event occurred chronologically.
19/01/2023
1:45 am
Carollann Serafin
This article is very touching and just shows how a simple thing such as a race can have such an. Impact on people whether positive or negative. I thought it was super wrong not letting proper funeral arrangements being made and alive or dead Felix was criticized for doing what he wanted which was serving his country. I believe it was an honorary portrayal of himself and it saddens me that there was no acknowledgement for him serving the country. I had never heard of Felix prior to this but I am happy I did.
19/01/2023
1:45 am
Kaylah Garcia
Lulu, hello! This article was incredible to read. I’ll admit that I was unaware of this case, and the writing was superb. It was able to provide a great deal of background knowledge and facts about Felix E. Longoria. The fact that so many Mexican Americans and Hispanics experienced such severe discrimination at the time makes me sad, but I’m delighted to know that they took action, with LBJ’s assistance. Although this piece is excellent and really pertinent to the subject, I would have wanted to learn more about Private Longoria’s early life. However, that may naturally be preserved for another article.
19/01/2023
1:45 am
Andrew Ponce
This article in particular was very interesting to read, for the reason that its main subject focused on not what happened during the man’s life that made him known, but what happened once he died that made him known. Before reading this article, I personally had little to any thought that political figures as strong as Lindon B. Johnson would reach down and care for the resting place of a Mexican-American. This article is not only well written, but displays the power of what a community can accomplish when justice is demanded. Great work!
20/01/2023
1:45 am
Greitin Rodriguez
Heroes, like Private Felix E. Longoria, should be recognized in their hometown and nationally. He sacrificed his life for his family in service to the United States. Three Rivers, Texas hurt families who have lost loved ones who joined our military. This town failed to recognize the harm they inflicted, by not providing a resting place in the cemetery for Private Longoria simply because of his Hispanic ethnicity denying his military service and his heroism. Private Longoria was civically engaged in serving his country in the war. His family had to take up his engagement to fight for his rightful resting place. Having a historic marker for his grave does not erase the grief caused to his family but it is certainly one way to honor his heroism.
20/01/2023
1:45 am
Aaron Onofre
It makes my heart heavy when looking back at the pain many of the towns here in Texas has caused to many minorities throughout the past. In the case of Private Longoria, his story shows the importance of doing what is right. Lyndon B. Johnson did not have to take this issue to the national level, but he did, because he thought that not only was right but also important.
21/01/2023
1:45 am
Matthew Holland
I appreciate the author of this story including so much detail about the situation surrounding the struggle for Private Felix E. Longoria’s legacy. I am thankful this story was brought to light as I had not heard of this situation before. This story I believe serves as a powerful reminder of just how far we have come as a country and a society, and just how terrible some people were in the past. But it also shows just how powerful social movements created by members of society can be and how they can accomplish seemingly impossible things while meeting intense resistance.
21/01/2023
1:45 am
Esmeralda Gomez
The story of Longoria is a story that tells a tale like no other; this is a story of a hero who was discriminated against for his skin color, despite serving his country. This story leaves hope that in the future, we can make amends and correct the mistakes of our past that have hurt others. Such an inspiring story told in a beautiful manner, amazing job.
21/01/2023
1:45 am
Sierra Christa
I loved this article! As someone who had no prior knowledge on this topic and story you told it exceptionally well. I am shocked that Lyndon B. Johnson helped the family and Felix E. Longoria get the proper burial he deserved and fought for. It saddens me that this part of history is often times disregarded and covered up in small towns, but your article shines a light on the unfortunate truth of the past. Great job, telling the story many people wanted to cover up and giving a voice to those who fought diligently and honorably in the war.
19/01/2023
1:45 am