In commemoration of American veterans, on Memorial Day,Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor, is being presented by Latin Heat Entertainment in collaboration with Plaza de la Raza. This theatrical tribute, written & directed by actor/writer/director Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out, Mi Familia), pays homage to the countless Latinos who have fought and died in America’s defense and highlights the story of fallen hero, Eugene Arnold Obregon. The Obregon family will be in attendance to honor his legacy.
Two live performances will take place at Plaza de la Raza on Monday, May 25th at 4:30pm and 7:30pm, followed by a Q&A withwriter/ director, Enrique Castillo and cast members. Net proceeds will benefit the Eugene A. Obregon Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization that is raising funds to complete a monument dedicated to Latino Medal of Honor recipients at Father Serra Park in downtown Los Angeles.
This special Memorial Day production of Veteranos tells the real life story of U.S. Marine Corps PFC, Eugene Arnold Obregon who grew up in East Los Angeles and attended Roosevelt High School before enlisting in the Marines. At the young age of 18, PFC Obregon volunteered to fight for his country in the Korean War. It was a time when there was still a deep division between Anglos and Latinos but the story of Obregon and his fellow Marine, a Texan named Bert Johnson, was an exception. Putting your life on the line for a brother Marine – was the right thing to do. The Marine Corps made them brothers; an act of valor would make them immortal. For his actions, ‘Above and Beyond the Call of Duty’, PFC Obregon received the Congressional Medal of Honor, our country’s highest military honor.
Leading the Veteranos cast are Brandon Vladimir in the role Eugene A. Obregon and Raul Cardona who plays “The Warrior” followed byAlexander Deeney as Bert Johnson, Karina Noelle as Virginia Obregon and Ben Leasure as the Drill Instructor. Rounding out the rest of the ensemble cast are Natalia Ferreiro, Marissa Herrera,Alvaro Renteria, Michael Gonzalez, Jessica Cornejo, and Laurie Muñiz who also choreographs the dance numbers in the performances. The production also features original music written by Marcos Loyaand Enrique Castillo under the direction of Musical Director, Billy Meza.
Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor is open to all ages. General admission tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Complimentary veteran admission will be available at the door with proper military ID. To pre-purchase tickets or to make a donation online, please visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/veteranos-a-legacy-of-valor-tickets-16590749378 Plaza de la Raza is located at 3540 N. Mission Rd.in Los Angeles.