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“It will have names. They are the names of the victims,” Aldape said. “We are honoring them.”
Aldape is president of the Federacion Potosina, a Houston group that works to improve the quality of life for Mexicans who migrate to the United States.
His work today, though, has nothing to do with improving lives. His work is to help people remember that 19 illegal immigrants died.
Today is the five-year anniversary of the worst known human smuggling tragedy in United States history.
At least 73 illegal immigrants, crammed into a sealed tractor-trailer, were ditched in south Victoria County in the early hours of May 14, 2003.
Nineteen passengers died from suffocation, dehydration and hyperthermia. The temperature inside the trailer reached greater than 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
“We’re going to make some praying for the people,” Aldape said.
He is planting the sign at the site of the tragedy’s makeshift memorial – near where Fleming Prairie Road and U.S. Highway 77 meet.
This memorial, which is dominated by water bottles and stuffed animals, spans 29 feet on the road’s northern dirt shoulder.
A designated county sign already memorializes the 19 who died.
Aldape offers his sign as an added tribute.
“We were in Victoria on Sunday in the place they died,” he said. “We cleaned up the site. We want to get the place in good shape.”
Weeds and wildflowers had overrun much of the memorial – hiding many sentimental tokens placed on the ground.
Aldape set foot on U.S. ground 30 years ago. He said his tribute is a peaceful gesture.
“We want to remember the people. We love this country. We are happy living in the U.S. We respect the law. We respect the government. We do everything peacefully.”
The sign planting today is a precursor to a formal ceremony at noon on Saturday.
That day, members of the Mexican Consulate in Houston, other dignitaries, as well as family members of those who died and survivors of the trip, will also pay respects.
“There will be a Catholic priest,” Aldape said. “This is very important.”
Gabe Semenza is Public Service Editor for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6519 or gsemenza@vicad.com.