Urging Secretary of the Interior to Recognize the Historical Significance of Roberto Clemente's Place of Death

Floor Speech

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Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for allowing me to speak on behalf of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I really believe this is important. Puerto Ricans feel very proud of the legacy of Roberto Clemente. He was not just a local hero, but a national hero, both in the arena and in his life. Actually, that is the reason, when Puerto Rico becomes a State, it will be the recommendation for one of his statues to be sent to the capital. He is a figure that united Puerto Rico.

I rise today to express my strongest support for H. Res. 792, introduced by my good friend and colleague, Jose Serrano. This resolution will urge the Secretary of the Interior to recognize the significance of the place of death of Puerto Rican baseball star Roberto Clemente, located near Pinones in Loiza, Puerto Rico, by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.

Roberto Clemente, as I said, was a hero and role model in Puerto Rico and across the nation. Throughout his distinguished career, he won two Major League Baseball World Series Championships, was named Most Valuable Player, and was an All-Star for 12 seasons. Clemente also served this Nation as a United States Marine Corps Reservist.

Roberto Clemente was committed to caring and helping those in need. In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 1972, he decided to travel to Nicaragua to provide humanitarian aid. His plane crashed shortly after departing Puerto Rico, and he tragically passed at the age of 38.

That is the reason his family, still in Puerto Rico, started a foundation. Many schools have his name on it, but he also has the legacy of supporting young people to play baseball and commit to their communities and be better in society. Clemente was that role model.

He was a great humanitarian and great athlete. He was the embodiment of a baseball legend who contributed to the betterment of society. I am glad that this House is honoring his legacy by considering H. Res. 792.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I thank Congressman Serrano for allowing this recognition that unites hundreds of people not only in Puerto Rico, but for sports all over. I also thank Chairman Bishop for supporting this, although I was expecting him to have the numbers of his baseball career.

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