Bill renames Tornillo Port of Entry after Texas highest decorated WWI Veteran
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. The heroism of the late WWI veteran U.S. Army Private Marcelino Serna will be honored with a unique gesture by U.S. Congressman Will Hurd who represents the Texas border region where Serna was raised. Hurd introduced a bill to name the Tornillo Port of Entry after PVT Serna a Mexican-American immigrant who was the most decorated WWI Veteran from Texas.
The Tornillo-Marcelino Serna Port of Entry will not only honor this extraordinary mans service to our nation it will serve as a reminder of the countless Mexican-American immigrants that have fought valiantly to keep our nation safe. Their contributions will not be ignored or forgotten" said Hurd. It is a privilege to move forward an initiative which has been overwhelmingly championed by the community."
Sernas exceptional heroism in Flirey France on September 12th 1918 allowed him to single-handedly capture 24 Germans for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Serna is currently being reviewed to posthumously be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his dedication and fearlessness serving the United States of America.
Local elected leaders and veterans groups shared enthusiasm. Private Serna served this country in WWI with the utmost sense of duty to return as the most decorated soldier from Texas. A true patriot Private Serna became a citizen after being discharged free to pursue the American Dream. I congratulate those involved in memorializing him at the Tornillo Port of Entry" said Texas State Representative Csar Blanco of House District 76.
Ruben Carrasco and Roberto Serna Commander and First Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 36 in El Paso submitted the following statement: The Post is extremely grateful that Congressman Will Hurd agreed to sponsor the proposal. The honor is well deserved and serves as a standing testament to a man who entered the United States as a Mexican immigrant and remained as a hero and a citizen of the United States a country grateful to claim him as one of their own. Private Sernas life and accomplishments serve as a wonderful example of bravery loyalty and tenacity and give encouragement to those who find themselves under similar circumstances. The veterans in El Paso Texas are extremely proud to be affiliated with such a man."
In a time of increasingly divisive rhetoric about immigration I am very very proud to see that Private Serna is being memorialized in this way. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Serna family for this tremendous honor" added Texas State Representative Mary E. Gonzlez of House District 75.
State Senator Jose Rodriguez of Senate District 29 reinforced I enthusiastically support recognizing Pvt. Sernas inspiring contributions to our nation. A migrant to the United States Pvt. Serna could have opted out of fighting during World War I. Instead he demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and courage defending his compatriots during the worst of that conflict. We should all take enormous pride in knowing Texass most-decorated World War I veteran who was born in the state of Chihuahua made his home in El Paso. Pvt. Sernas intrepid military service and inspiring personal story of migration to and success in the Texas borderlands make his the perfect name to greet visitors to the United States."
