[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE 65TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the 65th Infantry 
Regiment, a segregated Puerto Rican unit known as the Borinqueneers.
  The regiment was created in 1917, and it remained segregated 
throughout World Wars I and II and most of the Korean war, even after 
President Truman ordered the desegregation of the Armed Forces. These 
soldiers sacrificed everything for a country that had not yet embraced 
the rights of Hispanic Americans--a shame for our country, but a show 
of incredible loyalty and service by those who served.
  Today, the House and Senate leaders will present a Congressional Gold 
Medal in honor of the 65th Infantry Regiment. In attendance will be Cas 
Rodriguez, Sr., chairman of the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western 
New York.
  I thank Cas and the others who worked so hard to make sure that 
Americans will never forget the service of the 65th Infantry Regiment.

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