CHC ON BORINQUENEERS BILL SIGNING BY PRESIDENT OBAMA
Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi, Congressman José Serrano (NY-15), Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (IL-04), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY- 07) released the following statements following today's signing of H.R. 1726. President Barack Obama signed the legislation into law today which awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment. This unit, known as "Borinqueneers," served in the Korean War and is only the second group of Hispanics ever to receive the recognition.
"Today's bill signing marks a great moment of pride for the Puerto Rican community and Hispanics across the country. The 65th Infantry Regiment of Hispanic soldiers fought on the front lines of the Korean War, defending and protecting our country without ever receiving the recognition they deserved. Hispanic veterans have always been, and continue to be, part of the American story. Today, we celebrate this very special and much admired group of Hispanic veterans who are true American heroes," said CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa.
“The presidential signing ceremony was extraordinary. I am so pleased that the Borinqueneers—the pride of Puerto Rico and of Puerto Ricans everywhere—have received this expression of national gratitude in recognition of their courage, skill and patriotism. I hope it brings joy to the surviving Borinqueneers and to the families of the thousands of Borinqueneers that have passed away, particularly those who lost their lives in Korea. The signing ceremony served to underscore a broader point, namely that, for generations, from World War I almost a century ago to Afghanistan today, U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico have built a rich and distinguished record of military service. If you visit any U.S. military installation, you will see men and women from Puerto Rico, fighting to keep this nation safe, strong and free,” said Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi.
"It is very special to see the President sign a bill we passed to honor the legendary Borinqueneers. The Congressional Gold Medal that this will bestow on their unit is a small token of appreciation from our nation for their service, their bravery and their role in ending racial stereotypes. We cannot repay them for their service and sacrifice, but we can show that that we remember what they did and we appreciate it," said Congressman José Serrano.
"We segregated our Puerto Rican and Latino soldiers up through the Korean War and they served with distinction and heroism. The Borinqueneers are more than just brave veterans, they are a symbol of pride, sacrifice and accomplishment. I am proud to have supported the legislation and I look forward to telling my grandson that I was there when the President of the United States signed the bill bestowing the Congressional Gold Medal on the 65th Infantry," said Congressman Luis Gutiérrez.
“The triumphs of the Borinqueneers deserve to be celebrated. I am delighted to see each of these soldiers receive the highest civilian award in the United States for their service to our nation. Their heroic conduct in the face of overwhelming odds saved the lives of many comrades, advanced American military operations, and broke racial barriers that had long constrained minorities in our military ranks. By honoring their valiant service and achievements, we recognize our nation’s diversity and honor the thousands of Hispanic-Americans who have been driven over time by their sense of patriotism and service to their country,” said Senator Robert Menendez.
“The Borinqueneers exemplify the American traditions of patriotism, sacrifice and service. I am proud to see our nation bestow this long overdue honor on these heroes,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.
H.R. 1726 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representative by Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierliusi, a Member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Representatives Pierliusi, Serrano, Gutiérrez and Velázquez are of Puerto Rican descent. Senator Robert Menendez helped lead the push for the Senate companion bill S.1174.