[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 3254]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1230
         ENSURE BORINQUENEERS RECEIVE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

  (Mr. GRAYSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, last year, Congress awarded the 
Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all-
volunteer Puerto Rican unit known as the Borinqueneers. Today, I rise 
to urge the President to expedite the designing and the delivery of 
this medal before more of these brave Borinqueneers pass away.
  More than 100,000 Borinqueneers served in World War I, World War II, 
and the Korean war. Puerto Ricans have fought for the United States as 
far back as the American Revolution, and they continue to do so 
honorably to this day. Thousands have given their lives defending our 
country, despite enduring decades of prejudice against them.
  The Borinqueneers have been recognized with Distinguished Service 
Crosses, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts. However, it was 
not until last year that the first member of the Borinqueneers, Master 
Sergeant Juan E. Negron, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, 
following a congressionally ordered review of cases involving potential 
prejudice.
  Today, hundreds of Borinqueneers have made my home of central Florida 
their home. It is my goal and my honor as their Representative to 
ensure that they receive this long overdue recognition.
  Puerto Rican veterans should not have to wait any longer to receive 
the equal treatment they deserve. Today, I ask the President to ensure 
that the Borinqueneers receive their Congressional Gold Medal as soon 
as possible.

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