WASHINGTON, D.C.  —  Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) released the following statement marking the two year anniversary of the insurrection on January 6th: 

“The violent events on January 6th, 2021 were a direct attack on our democracy. Today, on the 2nd anniversary, we take a moment to stand with the White House and those in Congress who honored those men and women who defended the Capitol and those who lost their lives in that service,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, FRIENDS President & CEO. 

“Among those officially honored by President Biden during the January 6th ceremony at the White House was Dominican American Aquilino Gonell, a U.S. Capitol police officer and veteran  who was badly beaten and injured on the day of the attack. Sergeant Gonell’s commemoration today is an example of the immense contributions that Latinos make to our country every day, and his bravery will forever be honored. Regardless of partisan disagreements, we must continue working together to protect our democracy and those that serve it–this is what makes our nation truly great. Thank you to Sergeant Gonell and each of the heroes and public citizens that received the Presidential Citizenship Medal for their sacrifice and dedication to serving our country.”

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About Friends of the American Latino Museum

The Friends of the American Latino Museum strives to create a museum in our nation’s capital to educate, inspire and encourage respect and understanding of the richness and diversity of the American Latino experience within the U.S. and its territories by highlighting the contributions made by Latino leaders, pioneers and communities to the American way of life. FRIENDS is not affiliated in any way with the Smithsonian Institution. https://americanlatinomuseum.org/