[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E376-E377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMEMORATING NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 2021

  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON. Madam Speaker, the history of Puerto Rico is 
rich with examples of men and women from all walks of life, whose 
accomplishments inspire us today and draw the attention of the world to 
our Island. But one group stands out as an institution whose efforts 
enrich the enduring legacy and might of the U.S. military, and has left 
an indelible mark on all Puerto Ricans and in the history of our nation 
and the world. The 65th Infantry Regiment is this institution.

[[Page E377]]

  After the change of sovereignty as result of the Spanish American War 
of 1899, a military unit was recruited from the Puerto Rico residents 
and organized into the ``Regimiento de Voluntarios Puertorriquenios''. 
In 1908 was reorganized into a Regular Army Unit of the U.S. and in 
1920 was given the numerical designation of 65th Infantry, United 
States Army. However, what best identifies the regiment is not its 
numerical designation, but the name chosen by its members while en 
route to the battlefields of Korea in 1950; Borinqueneers.
  Organized at the dawn of the 20th Century, the Borinqueneers matured 
in the service of Puerto Rico and the nation, secured the Panama Canal 
during WWI, was baptized by fire during the liberation of Europe in 
WWII, and was tempered by the conflagration of the Korean War. In the 
hilltops and valleys of that besieged land their valor and courage, as 
exemplified by men like SFC Modesto Cartagena the most decorated 
Hispanic soldier of the Korean War, secured their place in history. In 
1960, the colors of the 65th Infantry Regiment were transferred to the 
Puerto Rico Army National Guard, where their successors continue to 
serve and preserve the history and honor of the regiment.
  For 121 years the Borinqueneers never wavered in their resolve to 
give its best in the service of Puerto Rico and the nation. Overcoming 
the social norms of its time and without full representation in the 
U.S. Congress, as deserved by all American citizens, the Borinqueneers 
persevered and are an inspiration to all of us.
  Today, April 13, 2021 as we commemorate the first National 
Borinqueneers Day--an initiative that I am proud to have led along with 
Senators Scott and Rubio, and Representative Murphy--I call on this 
body and all the citizens of our great nation to be inspired by their 
example and work together to overcome the challenges that we face.

                          ____________________