Corpus Christi author Esther Bonilla Read shares passages of book from WWII veterans

Listening to Esther Bonilla Read read passages from "After the Blessings: Mexican American Veterans of WWII Tell Their Own Stories," David Garcia felt pride knowing two of his family members were immortalized in Read's new book.

"Those two men — those two soldiers — Jorge Flores and Jose Flores, they were my mom's brothers," Garcia said to a crowd. "They were my uncles."

At Half Price Books in Moore Plaza on Friday, author Read signed copies of her book and shared recollections from veterans, including a forward observer, paratrooper and a prisoner of war.

Read's latest book, published in February this year, showcases stories from Mexican American veterans of World War II. She named the book after a ritual Hispanic-Catholic families would do once their child would venture off into the real world: bless their children.

"Some people are interested in birds, cats or flowers; I'm interested in World War II," Read said to a crowd. "My fifth grade teacher told my class, 'Do not ask any veterans any questions about the war.' After many years passed, I decided to ask questions."

After reading excerpts from her book, Read answered questions from attendees and allowed Garcia to tell people additional facts about his uncles. Garcia shared that one of his uncles, Jose Flores, was taken as a prisoner of war and interrogated by German officers.

Thanks to his wife, Garcia found out about the book event through his cousin's Facebook page a few days prior.

Holding Read's book, Garcia's voice started to choke and tears welled in his eyes.

"I knew a lot of my uncle Jose's stories growing up," Garcia said. "I was real close to him. He was like a second dad to me."

Both of Garcia's uncles died almost a decade ago, Jose Flores in 2013 and Jorge Flores a year later.

"They were good Christian men and never complained about anything," Garcia said. "They considered themselves Americans before anything. They raised us to be proud to be an American. They instilled that into me and helped make me the man I am today."

Read said she hopes people learn to appreciate Mexican American veterans more after reading her book. She said her heart is full of joy and is happy from hearing from Garcia and others at her book reading.

"Today, I heard a lot of gratitude," Read said. "I did this because I was interested in the history, but for them to tell me they're grateful, that just thrills me."

Knowing more than 500,000 Hispanic men fought in World War II, she said she knew the world needed to know their history.

"They have paid their dues and done their part for us," Read said. "They died for this country, and the least I could do is share their stories."

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva. Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.  

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Author Esther Bonilla Read shares passages of book from veterans