2013-K55

Memorializing Congress to recognize the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the Borinqueneers and request they receive the Congressional Gold Medal

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2013-K55


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing the Congress of the United States
to recognize the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the Borinqueneers and
request they receive the Congressional Gold Medal

WHEREAS, Military heroes who served so valiantly and honorably in wars
in which this country's freedom was at stake, should be recognized by
the people of this great Nation, who should never forget the courage
with which these soldiers fought; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize the Congress of the United States to recognize the 65th Infantry
Regiment known as the Borinqueneers and request they receive the
Congressional Gold Medal; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious honor, considered the most distinguished, is
an award bestowed by the United States Congress and is, along with the
Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United
States; it is given to persons who have performed an achievement that
has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be
recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after
the achievement; the Borinqueneers are such individuals; and
WHEREAS, As mandated by Congress in 1899, the 65th Infantry Regiment,
from Puerto Rico, was the only Hispanic-segregated unit ever in the
United States Armed Forces that played a prominent role in American
military history participating in three United States wars -- World War
I, World War II, and most notably, the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, The Borinqueneers were willing to shed their blood, sweat and
tears for democracy by enlisting in the United States Armed Forces on
their own accord to defend the freedoms of others; and
WHEREAS, These brave men were the first infantrymen of the "Rock of
the Marne Division" (3rd Infantry Division) to meet the enemy on the
battle fields of Korea fighting with determination and efficiency; and
WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment served with distinction and valor,
earning two Presidential Unit Citations, Army Unit Superior Award, Navy
Unit Citation, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations and
Bravery Gold Medal of Greece; and
WHEREAS, The congressional honor would affirm that they are truly
American heroes who served their country with distinction, fighting
bravely even while enduring hardships of segregation and discrimination;
and
WHEREAS, True American heroes, the Borinqueneers deserve to be recog-
nized, commended, acknowledged and remembered by the people of the State
of New York, as well as by all the citizens of this great Nation; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Congress of the United States be and hereby is
respectfully memorialized by this Legislative Body to recognize the 65th
Infantry Regiment known as the Borinqueneers, and request they receive
the Congressional Gold Medal; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the President of the Senate of the United States, the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, each member of the Congress of the
United States from the State of New York, Javier Morales, President of
the 65th Infantry Veterans Association in Puerto Rico, Frank Medina,
National Chair, Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Alliance, and
Juan Varela, New York City Delegate, Borinqueneers Congressional Gold
Medal Alliance.

actions

  • 31 / Jan / 2013
    • REFERRED TO VETERANS' AFFAIRS
  • 05 / Feb / 2013
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 11 / Feb / 2013
    • RECOMMITTED TO VETERANS' AFFAIRS

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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