The legacy and service of the Borinqueneers was celebrated today nationwide at a ceremony in the federal capital hosted by resident commissioner Jenniffer González Colom. It was attended by congressmen, relatives of Borinqueneers and senior officials of the executive branch and the army where they extolled the courage of this group of Puerto Ricans in times of great adversity.
Alongside the resident commissioner attended by congressmen Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) and Darren Soto (FL-09); the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Hon. Denis McDonough; the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General James C. McConville, and Samuel Rodriguez on behalf of the 65th Infantry Regiment.
“There are historical records that indicate that Puerto Ricans have always been present in U.S. war conflicts, including the War of Independence and the Civil War. With and without citizenship, responding to compulsory service or free and voluntary, without being able to vote for his commander-in-chief, the Puerto Rican is characterized by his sense of responsibility and his willingness to fight for the common good. if in the history books, they must be known, discussed, disseminated and celebrated “, expressed González Colom author of the law that designates today as National Day of the Borinqueneers.
“I am proud to have been a part of securing the designation of April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day in honor of the soldiers of the 65th Army Infantry Regiment,” Murphy expressed. “During the Korean War, these men fought with dexterity and courage despite prejudice for the color of their skin and the language they spoke. Despite how backward they may be, these soldiers have earned the recognition and respect they receive. today by 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 that they made these brave men and their families to defend our freedom, “said Sen. Rick Scott, who was the author of this initiative in the Senate.
“Currently, we notice that twice as many Puerto Ricans are joining the armed forces compared to other states,” Congressman Soto continued. “By uniting to honor their service and devotion to the United States, we reaffirm that their efforts were not 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 Borinqueneers connected by teleconference who arrived at Fort Buchanan in San Juan, Puerto Rico to witness the ceremony. Guests at the event in Washington, DC had words of praise and applause for the war heroes.
“Thank you so much to all of our Borinqueneers! To those who have left, to those we still have with us and their families; they know that to me they will ALWAYS have a servant and a defender of their exceptional service and their rights as veterans and American citizens. “, added the commissioner.
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