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Fraternity remembers ‘brothers’ and family members

Written by Dustin Dangli

Wednesday, 29 October 2008 08:34 PM

Members of Sigma Lamda Beta fraternity carry a "coffin" during a candlelit procession during last year’s El Dia de los Muertos from the University Center mall to the Central Library mall. The event was held in honor of the Mexican holiday celebrating unity with those who died, rather than mourning. (The Shorthorn: File Art)

To celebrate Dia de los Muertos, members of Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity will honor several brothers who have died, including Gary Vasquez, who died recently while stationed in Iraq.

“Brother Gary Vasquez was killed while serving our country in Afghanistan,” fraternity vice president Chris De La Rosa said. “He, along with other courageous people, will be remembered at this year’s ceremony.”

The ceremony begins noon Friday on the University Center mall. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Hispanic holiday to commemorate those who have died.

Multicultural Affairs director Leticia Martinez said students can meet at the UC mall with photos or remembrance items of lost loved ones. From there, students can participate in the procession to the remembrance ceremony on the Central Library mall, where altars will be set up.

“This year there will be flags and ribbons,” Martinez said. “It’s going to be very bright and colorful because it’s a celebration.”

Once the procession has ended, members of Hispanic groups will speak about lost friends and family members.

Sigma Lambda Beta members will speak on the behalf of members who have died. Among that list is Vasquez, who died at the age of 34 on Sept. 29, and founding member Hermenegildo Garza Jr., who passed away March 7, 2001 at the age of 25.

“In our celebration at UTA, we honor Brother Hermenegildo Garza Jr, along with our own personal friends or family,” De La Rosa said in an e-mail. “To Hermenegildo, Gary and Grandma: This one’s for you.”

After the speakers, everyone can come up to the microphone and speak about the deceased and place a carnation on an altar.

“My intention is that there is enough carnations so even the shyest person can put a carnation on the altar,” Martinez said.

The altar is made specifically for the friends and family members of participants.

“We will be building two altars of the four altars,” De La Rosa said. “One dedicated to our late brothers and the other to the families and friends of all participants.”

Another part of the celebration will be an Aztec dance performance by Yaoyollohti Troupe.

Aside from dancing, De La Rosa said the troupe will educate students about the Aztec history of the event. LASO president John Valle Jr. said refreshments will be served, including “pan dulce,” or candy bread.

Valle believes all students can participate and celebrate the deceased.

“I want to have people who are not Hispanic to have more knowledge about the event,” he said.
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