April 13th is National Borinqueneers Day. It recognizes the sacrifices of the Puerto Rican Regiment of the Volunteer Infantry, designated the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. A flag raising ceremony was held at Holyoke City Hall, Wednesday afternoon, and earlier, at Springfield City Hall as well.

Present at both ceremonies was former Springfield City Councilman Gumersindo Gomez, who is a veteran and currently the Director of the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center of MA. Locally, there were present the Director of the Holyoke Veterans Affairs, Jesus Pereira, and city councilors Jenny Rivera, Peter Tallman, and David Bartley. Later, councilors Will Puello, Juan Anderson-Burgos, and Israel Rivera joined.

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia commented that “people in the island of Puerto Rico take a lot of pride in their culture and their roots and who they are and where they come from. And to know that Congress recognized this particular group that’s contributed to the fabric of the United States, it helps with spreading pride around the culture and the community at large. And so, to be here this day, even me as a Puerto Rican mayor in a community that has more Puerto Ricans per capita, living here, than any other municipality in the world outside of the island of Puerto Rico, it’s a real true honor for me'”.

Congress first authorized a voluntary military presence in Puerto Rico a year after the island became a United States territory in 1899. Since the Spanish-American War, military personnel from Puerto Rico have served with honor, though often in limited or non-combat related roles. At the end of World War II, the military demobilized the 65th Infantry Regiment. However, when the Korean War broke out, the United States reactivated combat-ready units; which included 65.

During the Korean War, the 65th adopted the nickname “The Borinqueneers”. The name honors the Taino Indians, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico or the island of Borinquen. Congress first authorized a volunteer military presence in Puerto Rico the year after the island became a United States territory – 1899. Since the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico’s military personnel have served honorably, though often in limited or non-combat roles. At the end of World War II, the military demobilized the 65th Infantry. However, when the Korean War broke out, the United States reactivated the combat-ready units; that included the 65th. During the Korean War, the 65th adopted the nickname “The Borinqueneers.”

The name honors the Taíno Indians, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico or the island of Borinquen. Their operations during the Korean War provided substantial support. The Borinqueneers received numerous decorations, including more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, 600 Bronze Stars, 250 Silver Stars, 9 Distinguished Serve Crosses, and 1 Medal of Honor, among other commendations and awards.