NM senators to dedicate Gallup VA clinic to late Hiroshi ‘Hersey’ Miyamura

GALLUP, N.M. – State leaders, neighbors, and loved ones recognized the type of impact late Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura had on the community. 

Community members spoke about his impact during his funeral last year.

“He was proud of Gallup, and we are proud of him,” said Esther Candelaria, a Gallup resident.

Soon, the VA Community-based Outpatient Clinic in Gallup will change its name in honor of the World War II and Korean War veteran.

In December, New Mexico senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján spearheaded legislation to rename the clinic Miyamura had been part of from the very beginning.

“It was one of the greatest honors of my public service career to work alongside Hershey to open the VA’s community-based Outpatient Clinic in Gallup back in 2015,” said Sen. Martin Heinrich. 

Both chambers of Congress passed the bill. The president is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.

Heinrich shared his thoughts with KOB 4 following the announcement saying:

“I hope that honoring Hershey’s memory in this way will inspire future generations of New Mexicans to learn more about his life and the powerful example of humble patriotism that he left behind as his enduring legacy.”

Luján echoed those same sentiments, saying: 

“I’m proud our legislation to honor Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura’s legacy passed the House and Senate and will be signed into law. By renaming Gallup’s VA Clinic after Hershey, we show a small token of gratitude for the true American hero he was.”

MORE:

• Hiroshi Miyamura, Medal of Honor recipient and Gallup native, passes away at 97
• Family remembers Gallup native, Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura