By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
After a decade of work behind the scenes, San Benito’s favorite son and music legend Baldemar “Freddy Fender” Huerta has finally been recognized with one of the most prestigious historical honors possible. Last Saturday, in front of more than 100 people, an official historical marker was unveiled in front of the first home bought by Freddy Fender in the City limaits as family members watched on with pride.
According to San Benito Historical Society Treasurer Sandra Tumberlinson, the unveiling was the culmination of ten long years of work after the historical marker was awarded to the family back in 2013. For some reason, the marker sat in storage at Fenders’ former Corpus Christi residence until a recent movement to have Fender inducted into the legendary Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Tennessee ignited a discussion around Fender’s legacy.
While citing the plethora of achievements and honors attributed to Fender, officials realized the marker – which had been signed off on by former State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. and former Congressman Rene Oliveira – had not been erected in town. Tumberlinson and other City leaders reached out to the Fender family to get the marker installed and the rest is history.
“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for San Benito and to be able to be a part of such a prestigious ceremony is not something I take lightly,” Lucio said after the ceremony. “I can still remember being a young man in the Valley and hearing people talk about Freddy Fender…The first time I saw him live, I was blown away by his talent and charisma. It really is an honor to have my name associated with the once-in-a-lifetime ceremony.”
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1 comment
That’s awesome God Bless you all his memories will live forevet