In tribute — Community leaders celebrated Freddy Fender during a dedication ceremony of a pergola at San Benito Memorial Park Cemetery, on Wednesday, June 4. Fender was born 88 years ago to the day the pergola dedication ceremony was held in his name at the city cemetery. (Courtesy photos/City of San Benito)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
A newly-constructed pergola that surrounds the memorial of music legend Freddy Fender has many similarities to what leaders said compares to where the City of San Benito is currently in its history.
With careful consideration by its stakeholders, it will grow into a place of comfort and reflection. That is how city leaders promoted the dedication ceremony for Fender, who was born in San Benito as Baldemar Garza Huerta in 1937. At present, the wood material of the pergola is evident, but it will one day be surrounded by greenery, making it a “community gathering spot for years to come,” as Mayor Pro Tem Pedro Galvan said during his turn to speak.
Attendees who came to the mid-morning dedication would like to see aforementioned vines attached that would bring growth, life, and renewal every spring.
It was fitting that the pergola dedication at San Benito Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 2060 North Sam Houston Boulevard, took place on Fender’s “heavenly birthdate” of June 4, said San Benito Cultural Arts Department Administrative Assistant Jose Carlos, Jr., who emceed the event.
He introduced various city commissioners and city administrators who provided opinions and reflections on Fender’s impact on the city.
“There’s are so many things that are happening right now as we are looking to the future, and it’s fully appropriate that we are here to build upon the history, like Freddy did for us in the past,” said San Benito Commissioner Thomas Goodman II, who is part of five generations living in San Benito. “We are building now with the San Benito City Commission and the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) a place where people could be proud of San Benito again. We are turning the page; we are creating a new history, turning a new chapter, and building on the legacy of what has been done.”
Most speakers said that when they tell others where they live or work, the response often evokes associations with Fender. So it’s appropriate, speakers agreed, that the City of San Benito continue to shower the Fender memorial with improvements.
Assistant City Manager Diana Garza said that the San Benito Economic Development Corporation [EDC] provided the funds to purchase the materials for constructing the pergola. The material cost was $11,690.13, and the work was done in-house.
“As we dedicate this memorial, we recognize not only his incredible contributions to music but also the deep roots he laid in San Benito. His journey is a testament to perseverance and passion – a reminder that greatness often begins right here at home,” Garza said. “Today, we come together to pay tribute, to reflect, and to ensure that his spirit lives on in the place he called home.”
Veronique Medrano, representing the Huerta Estate, said more visitors will likely come to the site because of the pergola. Across various cities in the U.S., South America, and Europe, people know the Fender name, she added, and want to visit where he came from.
“And to know that all of this started in this beautiful border town in deep South Texas, it shows that his legacy will move on, and I hope visitors and citizens of this city will take time, even if it’s just for a few moments, to grasp how beautiful it is,” she said.
Fender died Oct. 14, 2006.
2 comments
Not a single person in the picture above had ANYTHING to do with the memorial for Freddy Fender! The pergola was not their idea either. They are all wannabes…they are not ’showering’ anybody with anything! (Although they made need a shower). In fact, It looks like they could all use a gym membership and some weight loss training.
What a waste of money that could be used to benefit the citizens of San Benito.