This Memorial Day, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) honored six heroes from Zapata who served honorably in the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

In March, Congressman Cuellar recognized brothers Teodoro, Leopoldo, Antonio, Anselmo, Filiberto, Jr. and Jose Manuel Treviño with a speech on floor the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Congressman Cuellar also presented six American flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol to the families of the Treviño brothers during today’s ceremony in Zapata.

Combined, the six brothers served a total of fifteen and a half years. All were honorably discharged towards the end of the war and returned to Zapata to start their own families.

The Treviño brothers were born to Filiberto and Luisa Cuellar Treviño. During World War II, Teodoro, the eldest, served in the Medical Corps in Bombay, India, as a trained surgical technician and treated wounded American soldiers.

Leopoldo served in the Field Artillery and was stationed in Okinawa while preparing for the invasion of Japan.

Antonio served in the Coastal Artillery and took part in the invasion of Normandy and the invasion of France, Belgium, the Rhineland and into Germany.

Anselmo served in the Engineer Corps for five and a half months before being honorably discharged due to a leg injury.

Filiberto, Jr., served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. While at sea, his ship was harassed by German submarines. He was also stationed in England where he unloaded bombs and ammunition from trucks preparing for the invasion of Normandy and was part of the liberation of Berlin.

And Jose Manuel, the youngest of the brothers, served in the Infantry and was part of the occupation forces in Berlin that oversaw the liberation of the concentration camps and the release of the American prisoners of war.

“The Treviño brothers faced tremendous obstacles while at war and it’s amazing that all were able to honorably serve and return home to Zapata,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These brothers had an immense sense of family and are an inspiration to us all. Their courage and dedication to country are timeless examples of what it really means to be an American. We honor the Treviño brothers today and always for their many sacrifices.”

Family members, including children and grandchildren, shared stories of the Treviño brothers, true American heroes, while county officials honored their service to our country.