Memorial Tree for Congressman Roybal to be Planted on Capitol Grounds

LOS ANGELES, CA - A tree is scheduled to be planted Wednesday on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in memory of Rep. Edward R. Roybal, who spent three decades in Congress representing a Los Angeles-area district.

The father of Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles, was also a member of the Los Angeles City Council for more than a dozen years. He died in October 2005 at the age of 89.

A red oak will be planted in his honor on the Capitol's south side.

"My family and I are so gratified to know that our beloved father will be granted a permanent place of honor at the U.S. Capitol," Roybal-Allard said. "For 30 years, Congressman Roybal served faithfully in the House of Representatives as a strong, unwavering advocate for the voiceless and the downtrodden in Los Angeles and across our country."

Roybal was one of the era's leading congressional voices on health care, education, housing and jobs policy. He also co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and founded the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

The tree is being planted to mark the centennial of Roybal's birth, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of the CHC.

His daughter said she was "deeply grateful to my House colleagues who joined in the call to recognize him with this memorial tree."

"I also thank House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Rules Committee Chair Roy Blunt for approving this rare and generous remembrance of Congressman Roybal and his work to make our nation a better place for everyone," she said.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of the Library of Congress