A People’s History of the Inland Empire Digital Archive

Aniceto "Cheto" Gomez Interview

2019.003.035

Sound

Aniceto grew up around a Latino community in Redlands. Many of his friends from the neighborhood were Latinos and shared similar interests. Some of Aniceto’s memories describe, dances organized for the youth, local clubs, and sports events within Redlands. He explains how large groups of people would travel from Los Angeles, or other areas, to watch baseball games in Redlands. On the other hand, he also mentions how he faced discrimination in elementary school for not being able to speak English. He was not allowed to attend elementary school until he learned how to speak English. In addition, due to financial problems within his family, Aniceto had to leave high school at fifteen years old. He was also discriminated when he attempted to join the Navy. He explains that he joined the Army because the Navy did not accept Latinos. His experience in WWII was difficult. He was met with many challenges while at war. He remembers D-Day and the events of that day. He remembers the ocean turning red from all the blood. Aniceto almost lost his life on D-Day. He almost drowned in the ocean due to the heavy equipment he was carrying. He was also suffered an injury a few days later while he was keeping watch.

World War II

Mexican American History

Military Service

Education

Community Life in Redlands

Citrus Fruit Industry

Racial/Ethnic Discrimination

Redlands (Calif.)

France

The Pacific

Mexico

1920s-1990s

Antonio Vasquez

April, 5th, 2002

Gomez, Aniceto

Audio Cassette

English

Side A: 47:00
Side B: 47:08
Total: 94:07