Founder

Dr. Hector P. Garcia,
American GI Forum Founder



"Education is our Freedom, and Freedom should be Everyone's Business"

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NEWS * LINKS * EVENTS * SPONSORS * VETERANS * VIDA NUEVA * MEMBERSHIP * BOARD


EVENTS,

The San Jose GI Forum Chapter, Old #1, has been an asset to the city of San Jose and the county of Santa Clara in many ways for the past fifty years. Our annual events, Cinco De Mayo Parade and Fiesta and the 16th of September Fiestas Patrias generate funds for the city, police department, and city owned parking facilities. Our events share economic prosperity with local businesses, vendors, and sponsors. Other contributions are described and evident in the content of our programs and the resulting services.

Cinco

CINCO DE MAYO PARADE



FIESTAS PATRIAS:

16th of September Mexican Independence Day Parade 1982-2009,
The past twenty seven years the San Jose GI Forum has organized and sponsored and annual parade in downtown San Jose in conjunction with the city of San Jose.


FLORES MEXICANAS:

Queen Pageant 1962 - 2006,
For forty six years a queen was selected from among the talented youth of this county representing the chapter at the Fiestas Patrias, Mexican Independence celebration and competitions at the state and national AGIF levels. Proceeds from the various celebrations go towards scholarships awarded annually.

CINCO DE MAYO:

One of our largest venues, Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated in downtown San Jose for the past 27 years. The downtown cultural celebration features a parade and festivities including vendors, sponsors food booths, entertainment and is coordinated with the city of San Jose.


BARRIO CONFERENCE:

The Barrio Conference had a fourteen year run and was co-sponsored by the San Jose Mercury News, Nuevo Mundo and the San Jose GI Forum Vida Nueva Program. The annual conference targeted Santa Clara County youth in its quest to identify and seek solutions to the many problems facing troubled youngsters. The efforts were coordinated with Santa Clara county jail personnel and extended to the testimony of inmates with stories of what is necessary to turn ones life around. The sponsors and collaborators included local bussinesses and professionals.

VETERAN OUTREACH:

Throughout the year we participate in a number of programs and activities that benefit veterans. Parades, food and clothing drives, benefits referrals, basic computer training, service officer training and we partner with other agencies that deliver assistance to veterans.