National Borinqueneers Day (April 13), Honoring the Contributions of Puerto Rican Veterans

0
Advertisement

Learn about the history and significance of National Borinqueneers Day, which recognizes the service and sacrifice of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit composed primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers who played a significant role in U.S. military history.

National Borinqueneers Day is a holiday in the United States that honors the 65th Infantry Regiment, a Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army that served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The holiday is celebrated on April 13th each year, which marks the anniversary of the day in 1951 when the regiment earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its outstanding performance in the Korean War.

The Borinqueneers, as the members of the regiment were called, were the first unit of predominantly Hispanic soldiers to serve with the U.S. Army. They were also the only Hispanic-segregated unit in U.S. military history. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, the Borinqueneers served with valor and distinction, earning numerous awards and decorations, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

National Borinqueneers Day is an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices of the Borinqueneers and to celebrate their legacy of bravery and patriotism. It is also a time to promote awareness of Hispanic culture and history in the United States.

National Borinqueneers Day

Advertisement

History of National Borinqueneers Day

The effort to establish National Borinqueneers Day began in 2004, when a group of Borinqueneers veterans and their supporters started advocating for a day of recognition for the regiment. The group, known as the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Alliance, collected over 9,000 signatures in support of the initiative and worked with members of Congress to introduce legislation to create the holiday.

In 2013, President Barack Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision designating April 13th as National Borinqueneers Day. The holiday was officially recognized for the first time in 2014, and since then, it has been celebrated annually with events and ceremonies across the United States.

National Borinqueneers Day is an important holiday for the Puerto Rican community in the United States, as it honors the service and sacrifice of the Borinqueneers, who played a significant role in U.S. military history. It is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics to the country’s defense and to promote awareness of their culture and history.

National Borinqueneers Day Timeline

Here is a timeline of significant events related to National Borinqueneers Day:

  • 1898: The United States acquires Puerto Rico as a result of the Spanish-American War.
  • 1917: The United States forms the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit composed primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers.
  • 1948: President Harry Truman signs Executive Order 9981, which desegregates the armed forces and paves the way for integration of the Borinqueneers into the U.S. military.
  • 1950-1953: The Borinqueneers serve with distinction in the Korean War, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for their bravery and sacrifice.
  • 2004: A group of Borinqueneers veterans and their supporters begin advocating for a day of recognition for the regiment.
  • 2013: President Barack Obama signs the National Defense Authorization Act, which designates April 13th as National Borinqueneers Day.
  • 2014: National Borinqueneers Day is officially celebrated for the first time, with events and ceremonies held across the United States.
  • 2016: The last surviving Borinqueneers veteran, Sgt. First Class Agustín Ramos Calero, passes away at the age of 91.
  • 2019: The Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to the regiment, recognizing their service and sacrifice in the Korean War and their contribution to American military history.

What awards did the Borinqueneers receive?

The Borinqueneers, the members of the 65th Infantry Regiment, received numerous awards and commendations for their service and bravery during their history of military service. Some of the most notable awards include:

  • Presidential Unit Citation (Korean War)
  • Army Valorous Unit Award (Korean War)
  • Combat Infantryman Badge (Korean War)
  • Bronze Star Medal (Korean War)
  • Purple Heart Medal (Korean War)
  • World War II Victory Medal (World War II)
  • Army of Occupation Medal (World War II)
  • National Defense Service Medal (Korean War)
  • United Nations Service Medal (Korean War)

In 2014, the Borinqueneers were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest civilian honor awarded by the United States Congress. This award recognized the bravery, service, and sacrifice of the regiment during their military service in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

National Borinqueneers Day (April 13)

Advertisement

How to Observe National Borinqueneers Day

There are many ways to observe National Borinqueneers Day on April 13th each year, including:

  1. Attend a ceremony: Check your local community events calendar for any ceremonies or events that are being held to honor the Borinqueneers. Many cities and towns host parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and other activities to recognize the contributions of the regiment.
  2. Share on social media: Share posts on social media to raise awareness of National Borinqueneers Day and the history and contributions of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Use the hashtag #BorinqueneersDay to join the conversation and help spread the word.
  3. Educate yourself: Take the time to learn more about the history of the Borinqueneers and their service to the United States. Read books, watch documentaries, or visit museums to gain a deeper understanding of their contributions to American military history.
  4. Donate to a charity: Consider donating to a charity that supports veterans or military families in honor of the Borinqueneers. There are many organizations that provide support and resources to those who have served in the armed forces.
  5. Fly the Puerto Rican flag: Show your support and solidarity by flying the Puerto Rican flag on National Borinqueneers Day. The flag represents the pride and heritage of the Puerto Rican people, including the members of the 65th Infantry Regiment who served with distinction and bravery.

Why National Borinqueneers Day is Important

National Borinqueneers Day is important because it recognizes the service, sacrifice, and contributions of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, to the United States military. The regiment was composed primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers and played a significant role in U.S. military history, serving in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

The establishment of National Borinqueneers Day helps to raise awareness of the contributions of Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics to American military history, which is often overlooked or underrepresented. It also provides an opportunity to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Borinqueneers, who faced discrimination and prejudice but still served their country with valor and distinction.

In addition, National Borinqueneers Day celebrates the culture and heritage of Puerto Rico and its people, promoting awareness and understanding of their history and traditions. It is a day to recognize the important role that Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics have played in shaping the United States and to celebrate the diversity and strength of the American military.

Leave A Reply