The legacy and service of the Borinqueneers was celebrated nationally today at a ceremony in the federal capital hosted by Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón. Congressmen, relatives of Borinqueneers, and senior officers of the executive and military took part, praising the bravery of this group of Puerto Ricans in times of great adversity.
Congressmen Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) and Darren Soto (FL-09) participated with the Resident Commissioner; the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Hon Denis McDonough; the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General James C. McConville, and Samuel Rodríguez representing the 65th Infantry Regiment.
“There is historical evidence that Puerto Ricans have always been present in the armed conflicts in the United States, including the War of Independence and the Civil War. With or without citizenship, responsive to conscription or free and voluntary, without being able to vote for their commander-in-chief; Puerto Ricans are characterized by their sense of responsibility and their willingness to fight for the common good. The history of bravery of our 65-year-old boys cannot be buried in the history books, they must be known, discussed, disseminated and celebrated, ”said González Colón, author of the law that today designates National Borinqueneers Day.
“I am proud to be part of the April 13 designation as National Borinqueneers Day in honor of the soldiers of the Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment,” said Murphy. During the Korean War, these men fought with skill and courage despite prejudices about the color of their skin and the language they spoke. Despite however backward it may be, these soldiers have earned the recognition and respect they receive today from a grateful nation. “
“I am proud to join you in recognizing April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day. The Borinqueneers were brave Americans who fought for decades to defend our nation. History will always pay tribute to the sacrifices these brave men and their families made to defend our freedom, ”said Senator Rick Scott, who wrote this initiative in the Senate.
“We are currently seeing twice as many Puerto Ricans join the military as compared to other states,” said Congressman Soto. “As we work to honor your service and commitment to the United States, we reaffirm that your efforts have not been in vain. Let history always remember them as patriotic heroes who represented the pride and fighting spirit of all Puerto Ricans. Today and always we thank everyone for their service ”.
During the event, some of the Borinqueneers who arrived at Fort Buchanan in San Juan, Puerto Rico to witness the ceremony were linked by conference call. Guests at the Washington DC event praised the war heroes and applauded them.
“Thank you very much to all our Borinqueneers! Those who have left, those we still have with us and their families; they know they will ALWAYS have in me a servant and advocate for their exceptional service and for their rights as veterans and US citizens, ”added the commissioner.
We recommend that you: