The publication is reproduced in full below:
CONGRESSMAN MRVAN CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
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HON. FRANK J. MRVAN
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 17, 2021
Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15, 2021 to October 15, 2021, the people of the United States will once again celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Hispanic American community. As a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, in honor of this special month, I would like to pay tribute to two truly outstanding local Hispanic community leaders, the late Jesse Gomez and Rosemarie Gomez.
Jesse Gomez was born on April 5, 1920 in East Chicago, Indiana. He was elected East Chicago City Councilman in 1963, making him the first person of Hispanic descent to be elected to political office in the city, as well as in the state of Indiana. Mr. Gomez served three consecutive terms as councilman and was elected Council President twice during his tenure. His election and time in office was especially significant in that it opened political doors for the Hispanic community throughout the city of East Chicago and beyond. During his career, Jesse was also appointed Manager of the East Chicago License Bureau and served as Deputy Clerk in the Lake County Treasurer's office and Assistant Deputy for the Lake County Assessor's office. Jesse Gomez passed away on August 31, 1979, leaving an indelible mark in Northwest Indiana's history. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie, four beloved children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Mr. Gomez successfully advocated for the interests and rights of the Hispanic community throughout the region and the state. We are truly grateful for Jesse's remarkable contributions, and his legacy will remain a cornerstone for the Hispanic community and for all of Northwest Indiana.
Rosemarie Gomez was born on January 14, 1926 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. As a child, her family traveled back and forth between Mexico and the United States. She and Jesse made their home in East Chicago, and after Jesse's passing, Rosemarie was selected to replace him on the East Chicago City Council. This made her the first Hispanic female to serve in any political office in East Chicago. Throughout the years, Mrs. Gomez has given of her time and efforts to the city of East Chicago and to the Hispanic community. The pursuit of quality education has always been of utmost importance to Rosemarie, and she has always made it a point to instill these values in her children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, she has dedicated much of her time to the East Chicago Public Library. Among her many projects with the library, for twenty years Mrs. Gomez volunteered to decorate a Mexican-
themed Christmas tree for the library's ``Christmas Around the World'' exhibit. For her dedication and commitment to the Hispanic community, and to the city of East Chicago and beyond, Rosemarie is worthy of our highest praise and everlasting gratitude.
Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Our nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people, and the extraordinary contributions of citizens such as Jesse and Rosemarie Gomez, who have improved the quality of life for generations to come. This month, and always, we honor the many Hispanic members of our communities who have added to the prosperity of the United States and who have enriched our lives and the culture of our great nation.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 161
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