{"id":131423,"date":"2025-04-01T10:55:29","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T15:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/?p=131423"},"modified":"2025-04-01T11:57:16","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T16:57:16","slug":"cronkite-news-community-pays-tribute-to-congressman-raul-grijalva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2025\/04\/01\/cronkite-news-community-pays-tribute-to-congressman-raul-grijalva\/","title":{"rendered":"Cronkite News: Community pays tribute to Congressman Ra\u00fal Grijalva"},"content":{"rendered":" \"Raul<\/a>
A table displays photos and awards earned throughout U.S. Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva\u2019s political career at the celebration of life held at El Casino Ballroom in Tucson on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Photo by Sydney Lovan \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n
Memorial services for Congressman Ra\u00fal Grijalva held in Tucson<\/div>\r\n
Tuesday, April 1, 2025<\/div>\r\n
<\/div>\r\n
Cronkite News<\/DIV>\r\n
cronkitenews.azpbs.org<\/A><\/DIV>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

TUCSON, Arizona — Friends, family, Tucson community members and dignitaries honored the life of Congressman Ra\u00fal Grijalva last Wednesday during a funeral Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson<\/a> followed by a celebration of life.<\/p>\r\n

Grijalva was known over his 12 terms for being a progressive Democratic voice. He died March 13<\/a> at the age of 77, from complications with his cancer treatment.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

The pews at Wednesday\u2019s Mass were filled with hundreds of people. Cronkite News and other media organizations remained outside the church. A livestream of the service<\/a> was available for those outside the Mass.<\/p>\r\n \"Raul<\/a>

The Honor Guard carries the cremated remains of U.S. Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva out of St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson with his family members following behind on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Photo by Sydney Lovan \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

The Honor Guard presented the congressman\u2019s cremated remains with his family following behind. Speakers at Grijalva\u2019s service included Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs; U.S. Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, R-N.Y.; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and more.<\/p>\r\n

\u201c(He was) a champion for justice,\u201d Hobbs said during the Mass. \u201cThroughout his life and career, it was abundantly clear \u2014 he never forgot where he came from. \u2026 Throughout his time in public office, he never forgot why he was there \u2014 for the Arizonans he represented.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Grijalva was the co-chair of the Progressive Caucus in the House for a decade, while remaining a voice for environmental protections, tribal communities and Arizonans. Ocasio-Cortez spoke on the legacy of the congressman and the time they spent working together in the House.<\/p>\r\n

\u201cRa\u00fal was one of the most generous, wise and principled people I have ever met. And he had one of the best laughs imaginable,\u201d Ocasio-Cortez said during the funeral. \u201cRa\u00fal constantly championed the unseen and overlooked.\u201d<\/p>\r\n \"Raul<\/a>

Family members of U.S. Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva hold hands after the funeral Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Photo by Sydney Lovan \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

In a Facebook post<\/a>, Grijalva\u2019s family requested donations to the Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva Scholarship Fund<\/a>, which supports students at Tucson\u2019s Sunnyside High School in continuing their education.<\/p>\r\n

Grijalva\u2019s legacy extended beyond southern Arizona, the community he grew up in and spent his life representing. Pelosi thanked the Tucson community in the pews for sending Grijalva to Congress.<\/p>\r\n

\u201cDuring his decades of service, Ra\u00fal was a champion for the people of Arizona and the community he loved,\u201d Pelosi said.<\/p>\r\n

Following the speakers, the Mass continued with a liturgical procession, family readers, gifts of bread and wine, music, an organ prelude and words of remembrance. When the Mass concluded, after just under two hours, the family exited the cathedral behind the Honor Guard.<\/p>\r\n \"Ra\u00fal<\/a>

A memorial for U.S. Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva displayed in front of the stage for the celebration of life following the funeral Mass. The celebration of life was held at El Casino Ballroom in Tucson on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Photo by Sydney Lovan \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

The celebration of life was held at the El Casino Ballroom in southern Tucson, where hundreds gathered to reflect on Grijalva\u2019s life of service.<\/p>\r\n

Sarah Roberts, who campaigned for Grijalva since 2002, said she\u2019s been his supporter for decades because of his mission to serve his constituents.<\/p>\r\n

\u201cHe spread love through his years of representation,\u201d Roberts said while in line to enter the celebration of life.<\/p>\r\n \"Raul<\/a>

Hundreds of people gather for U.S. Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva celebration of life at the El Casino Ballroom in Tucson on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Photo by Sydney Lovan \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

Inside the venue, music played loudly, and people were encouraged to eat, drink and dance. The venue reached capacity before 2:30 p.m., with many waiting in line outside.<\/p>\r\n

Arizona Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson, was one of many community members and politicians to attend the celebration.<\/p>\r\n

\u201cHe has built so much,\u201d Sundareshan said. \u201cHe has worked so many years in public service in southern Arizona, and I think that shows the lasting impact of what he’s done. \u2026 Now, we’re here to celebrate his life.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

\r\n