The 3rd Wednesday in September is Dr. Garcia day

Dr. Hector P. Garcia is a civil rights icon.

Garcia created the American GI Forum in 1948 and fought for the rights of area Hispanics and veterans denied educational, medical and housing benefits. He also served as an adviser to three U.S. presidents and was the first Hispanic on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-Mission, and State Reps. Abel Herrero, D-Corpus Christi, Solomon Ortiz Jr., D-Corpus Christi, and Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, filed Senate and House bills to create the holiday.

Tejanos will be commemorated at the state capitol.

Gov. Rick Perry signed a House Bill Friday that allows placement for a Tejano monument in front of the capitol.

The monument is the first Hispanic statue ever at the Texas capitol.