Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 30, 2015 12:42 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Thomas R. Caltagirone |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | 65th U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Borinqueneers” Memorial Bridge |
| In the near future I will be introducing legislation designating the Bingaman Street Bridge in the City of Reading, Berks County, as the 65th U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Borinqueneers” Memorial Bridge. "The Borinqueneers” were the only all-Hispanic unit in the history of the United States Army. "The Borinqueneers" is a nickname for the 65th infantry regiment of the 3rd division in the United States Army, an all-volunteer Puerto Rican Unit. The name was derived from the name borinquen meaning "land of the brave lord." The unit was founded in 1899 and remained a vital part of the United States armed forces until 1956. "The Borinqueneers” displayed valiant and meritorious service in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Over 62,000 Puerto Ricans joined the military during World War II and over 43,000 Puerto Ricans served in the Korean War. While in Korea, "the Borinqueneers" served in nine separate military campaigns, with hundreds of men giving their lives to serve their country. In 1959, the regiment was allotted to the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, where the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry still serves. Since inception of the unit, more than 20,000 Puerto Ricans have served as Borinqueneers, but their contributions and sacrifices have gone largely unnoticed by the country at large. While defending the United States, these brave soldiers earned 628 Bronze Stars, 258 Silver Stars, 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts. Please join me in honoring the brave “Borinqueneers” of the 65th Infantry Regiment. |
Introduced as HB1709