EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Eliseo Silva Fernandez, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, was honored at City Hall on Monday for his service.<\/p>\n
According to the city, Fernandez is the oldest known living World War II combat veteran in the Borderland. <\/p>\n
The El Paso community gathered at City Hall on Monday morning to celebrate Fernandez’s accomplishments in the service. <\/p>\n
Fernandez, who served bravely with Merrill’s Marauders, has been awarded both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. <\/p>\n
In recognition of his contributions and service, the city proclaimed December 22 as Eliseo Silva Fernandez Day. <\/p>\n
According to the city, Fernandez’s lifelong dedication to family and community exemplifies the veteran spirit of El Paso. <\/p>\n
Speaking to KFOX14\/CBS4 on Monday, the daughter of Fernandez, Josefina Fernandez de Raza, said she is thankful for the support for her father. <\/p>\n
“We are so honored, and we are so thankful for everybody that has given him so much support and attention, and we thank God for him that he has lived 101 years and pretty healthy, I’m telling you, he’s got a sharp mind,” Fernandez de Raza said. <\/p>\n
Diana Madonado Rocha, City 3 District Representative for the City of El Paso, said she is glad the community came out to honor Fernandez. <\/p>\n
“I’m just very grateful for the whole community to have come out today. We know it’s Christmas week. We know it’s busy and can be a little stressful. But to come out and celebrate him and honor him the way that he deserves, I’m very grateful to the community to come out and really show the support that you all did today,” Rocha said. <\/p>\n
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