After the War, A Struggle For Equality

Around the country -- down at the American Legion hall, or at home surrounded by ghosts and pictures of grandchildren and yellowed snapshots of their younger selves -- Latino vets shook their heads. The perceived snub felt familiar.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

"It's too late now, the damage is done," says Navy vet Osvaldo Espada, 91, of Potomac, a commander of a local American Legion post that was a gathering place for Puerto Ricans.

He served on a transport ship carrying Marines in the Pacific, then stayed on for a full career, retiring as a chief petty officer. A proud Puerto Rican, Espada nevertheless sees little point in dwelling on differences among people. The Navy, and the war, taught him that. "I'm a Navy man, period!" he exclaims. To Latinos with grievances, his advice is: "Improve yourself. Vote. Don't start complaining."

Lansford says it's not a matter of complaining, but standing up. That's the essence of his role in the documentary tomorrow night, as he speaks of heroism and death in the jungle. He is also leading a project to erect a memorial in downtown Los Angeles to Latino Medal of Honor recipients in all wars.

After the war, Lansford went on to a writing career in his beloved second language -- English. He wrote combat journalism, a biography of Pancho Villa, scripts for television series -- including "Bonanza," "Ironside," "CHiPS," "Fantasy Island," "Starsky & Hutch" -- and movies, including, "Villa Rides" (1968) for Paramount Pictures and "The Deadly Tower" (1975) for television.

He sees the huge marches of Latinos for immigration reform last year, as well as this year's protest of Burns's documentary, as extensions of the spirit that awakened within returning veterans two generations ago. "The fight continues, and will continue," he says. "Latinos aren't looking for notoriety, or any special treatment or anything. The fact of the matter is, Latinos are tired of being invisible in their own country."

Riojas thinks about the immigration issue whenever he sees a police car in Kansas City. He wonders if the current spotlight on illegal immigrants heralds a return to the days of reflexive disdain for all Latino-looking people. If anyone dares question his status as an American, he has his answer prepared. One of the documents of which he is most proud is his lifetime membership card in the 34th Infantry Division Association. In a swelling voice, he reads aloud part of what's printed on the card: "Among the greatest fighting units that ever carried the Stars and Stripes into battle."

"That's what I carry in my pocket," Riojas says. "That's what I'll throw at them."