[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10713]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE HEROISM OF THE U.S. ARMY'S 65TH INFANTRY REGIMENT 
                 BETTER KNOWN AS ``THE BORINQUENEERS''

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                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2011

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to my colleagues' 
attention the celebration taking place in Osceola County, Florida, 
later this month. More specifically, on July 24, 2011, the Committee 
Desfile Puertorriqueno de Osceola, Inc., has chosen to dedicate the 
First Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade to commemorate the heroism of the 
U.S. Army's 65th Infantry Regiment, better known as ``The 
Borinqueneers.''
  I rise today to join them in this recognition as we come together to 
celebrate the Borinqueneers, their commitment to the liberties of the 
United States, and their specific military achievements on the front 
line of the battlefield in advancing the values upon which this nation 
was founded.
  On March 2, 1899, Congress authorized the establishment of the Army 
unit that became known as the ``The Borinqueneers,'' an all-volunteer 
Puerto Rican unit. This brave unit was called upon to serve in World 
War I, World War II, and the Korean War and fought valiantly under the 
motto ``Honor et Fidelitas,'' meaning Honor and Fidelity.
  When ``The Borinqueneers'' were called to the front lines during the 
Korean War, General MacArthur said of the unit, ``The Puerto Ricans 
forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry on the battlefields of 
Korea . . . are writing a brilliant record of achievement in battle and 
I am proud indeed to have them in this command. I wish that we might 
have more like them.''
  The Borinqueneers consistently demonstrated exceptional and 
unyielding valor on the battlefield despite the hardships they endured. 
As a unit, they earned a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit 
Commendation and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations. Individuals 
within the regiment were also awarded Distinguished Service Crosses, 
Silver Stars and Bronze Stars.
  I am honored to pay tribute to the service that ``The Borinqueneers'' 
have provided our nation.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to pay tribute to these 
fine soldiers.

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