TUCSON, Ariz. — An American flag was flown over the United States capitol in honor of World War II veteran Margarito Ramirez. Then, Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick went to the Ramirez house to give him the flag.
"We owe a forever deep gratitude to our World War II veterans," Kirkpatrick said.
RIGHT NOW: Margarito Ramirez receives an American flag and another Bronze Star Medal from @Ann_Kirkpatrick for his service in World War 2.
— Veronika Vernachio (@vvernachio) May 24, 2019
He’s one of the last veterans alive to receive this award, at 99 years old. @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/mUn98mEWRU
This is the second award this month Ramirez has received from the U.S. Government. Two weeks ago, he received a Bronze Star Medal from the U.S. Army for his service.
"That means that he served at a higher capacity than a lot of his comrades," Kirkpatrick said. "He really gave above and beyond what anyone else would be required to give."
Over hundred thousand veteran's received the Bronze Star Medal for World War II, but there is only a couple thousand still remaining.
Ramirez fought in the war for three years and eight months. At 21 years old, he left behind his wife Belia and their two kids to serve.
His service inspired four generations of his family to join the army.
The government wanted to remind Ramirez, and his family, that his heroism was never forgotten.
"When I hugged him, I just felt that honor, that reverie, that amazing, amazing spirit of America," Kirkpatrick said.
