Laredo College, PNC Bank, local veterans and community members celebrated the legacy of our fallen heroes with a rededication of two statues and multiple plaques honoring Hispanic veterans, including Pvt. David B. Barkley Cantu, the first Hispanic soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War I.
The two statues, sculpted by local artist Armando Hinojosa, feature Barkley and a bronze eagle. The plaques have historic information, including a brief history on Barkley, the names of the mayor and city council members at the time of the original dedication and the names of the 41 Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients.
The Laredo College Ft. McIntosh Campus will now house these statues proudly in front of the Pvt. David B. Barkley Cantu Veterans Memorial Chapel.
This area will now be known as the Laredo College Veterans Walkway made possible by the generous donation of the plaques and statues by PNC Bank, which originally housed the statues at their branch of then-Laredo National Bank.
“It gives us great pride at PNC to be a partner in the creation of Laredo College Veterans Walkway,” said Susana Melendez-Valencia, PNC Regional President for the Texas Border Market. “PNC is committed to Laredo and wanted a distinct space where veterans would be honored now and in the future.”
Commemorative bricks donated by Bricks & Tile International will adorn the walkway to pay tribute to local veterans of all conflicts. Additionally, the Laredo College Education Foundation donated the eternal flame that will burn bright in remembrance of the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.
Laredo College President Dr. Minita Ramírez, a steadfast supporter of veterans, thanked PNC Bank and Melendez-Valencia for their longtime support of Laredo College as great community partners.
“We are proud of Laredo College’s history and understand the enormous responsibility we have to honor those who lived and fought for the United States from Fort McIntosh,” Dr. Ramírez said.
With our college’s rich history as a military fort and its significance as a historical destination and hub for student veterans looking to further their personal and professional aspirations, it is an honor to continue our legacy of honoring veterans and our tradition of excellence in higher education. Laredo College is proud to continue highlighting the countless contributions and sacrifices made by veterans to preserve our nation’s freedom and democracy.
