Migrant Journey To A Marine: Three Stories, One Life

Migrant Journey to a Marine recalls three stories that depict Rivera’s family life of opportunity in the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico. In 1956 in Texas, their travel began with a caravan to Weslaco. They traveled to labor camp to camp, state to state. Thousands of families made this route, some returning home and some staying. The Rivera family decided to remain in Orange Cove, California in the San Joaquin Valley. For Joe, this choice created newfound livelihoods. The 60’s, living as a Mexican American, means you must search for an identity. Young and driven, Joe called himself a Chicano, just like the compadres in Texas did. Enlisting for the Vietnam War, this Chicano felt he could contribute to society and gain a sense of belonging to bridge his cultures. Many of his friends enlisted or were drafted. Just as many were wounded or killed. Despite his dire need to give back to this country of opportunity, he faced racism and ignorance for the home he swore to protect. These emotions are felt through the telling of each story, each holding lifetimes of dreaming, and each retelling the accounts to live the American dream.