Texas Latinos of WWII honored

BASTROP – This past week, the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center presented “Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas in WWII,” highlighting cultural participation and contribution in the war effort.

In conjunction with the Bastrop County Historical Society and Humanities Texas, the feature presentation will run through August 26 in the museum’s Special Exhibition Room.

“Images of Valor” incorporates photographs from the Voces Oral History Center archives and photojournalist Valentino Maurico’s contemporary photographs of WWII era men and women. It chronicles the stories of local and national Latin soldiers, revealing themes of citizenship and patriotism in the face of discrimination. The 12-panel bilingual exhibition is presented in English and Spanish.

“We are especially honored to bring this important exhibit to Bastrop, its residents and visitors. Because the war efforts of our Texas Latino and Latina community during World War II were so enormous in terms of scope and magnitude,” BCHS Executive Director Nicole DeGuzman said.

Along with Bastrop County’s representation in the exhibition, Elginite and WWII veteran Eduardo Hidrogo is set to speak at the BCHS summer quarterly meeting, 6:30 p.m. on July 27 at the historic Primera Baptist Church, 306 Paul C. Bell St. The event is open to the public.

The showroom and museum, at 904 Main St. in Bastrop, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.