Rep. Sánchez Renames Whittier Post Office After Vietnam Veteran Jose Ramos

Statement

President Trump signed U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez's (CA-38) bill into law to rename the U.S. Post Office at 8520 Michigan Ave in Whittier, California after Vietnam veteran Jose Ramos.

"I'm proud to be a small part of keeping the legacy of Jose Ramos alive," said Rep. Sánchez. "Mr. Ramos bravely served our country in the Vietnam War as an Army Combat Medic, earning a Purple Heart. Like far too many veterans returning home, he was caught in the crossfire of public debate surrounding the Vietnam War. Years later, he made it his mission to advocate for his fellow servicemembers and inspired me to introduce legislation that would establish a national Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

"While Jose Ramos is no longer with us, renaming a post office after him helps his work live on. It's a small token of gratitude from a nation and community thankful for his service and advocacy. I'm proud to know that kids one day will look up to see his name on the building and learn about who he was."

Jose Ramos was born in 1948 to Augustine and Herminia Ramos. He attended Garfield High School but enlisted in the Army when he was in 10th grade. He worked as an Army Combat Medic, and in 1968 he received the Purple Heart. After returning home, Jose worked at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital. He retired in 1999.

Like his fellow Vietnam veterans, Jose Ramos returned home from an unpopular war only to face hostility and resentment. Jose quietly went back to his normal life, built a family and stayed in touch with his veteran friends. He became a powerful advocate for veterans in our community and across the country. It was his personal experiences, and those of his fellow GIs, that motivated him to work toward establishing a national day of recognition. Ramos inspired many to help give Vietnam veterans their long-overdue welcome home.

His legacy lives on as several states and cities across the nation, including California, have adopted Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. It is long past time for our country to give Vietnam veterans the welcome home they should have received decades ago. Congresswoman Sánchez continues to introduce and advocate for legislation to establish a national "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day' on behalf of Jose Ramos and all the veterans who fought bravely in the Vietnam War.

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