Latinos have fought in all of America’s wars, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Many Latinos are fighting and dying for our country today in Iraq, just as several of their ancestors fought for freedom in Mexico over a century ago.

Baca’s statement links Latino military service to a long, continuous narrative of civic belonging. By noting participation “in all of America’s wars” from the Revolutionary era to Iraq, he argues that Latinos’ claims to full recognition are grounded not only in demographics or culture but in sacrifice for the nation. The comparison to ancestors who “fought for freedom in Mexico” broadens the frame: Latino identity is portrayed as shaped by parallel traditions of struggle for liberty on both sides of the border. The quote functions as a rebuttal to exclusionary patriotism, insisting that Latino patriotism is historically documented and ongoing.