Jenniffer Gonzalez and Rick Scott lead bipartisan effort in Congress to designate National Borinqueneers Day

Washington, D.C.- As a tribute to the sacrifices made and adversities overcome by Puerto Ricans and Hispanics in U.S. military service, the Resident Commissioner, Jenniffer González Colón and Florida Senator, Rick Scott, lay bipartisan legislation, both in the House and Senate, to designate April 13 as the National Day of the Boriquenineers. The Senate version was approved this afternoon; in the House version, Jenniffer Gonzalez serves as the Republican lead and Stephanie Murphy as a Democratic lead.

"As the only representative of Puerto Rico in this Congress, this commemoration is very special to me. Our 65 Infantry, our "Borinqueneers," gave the example of the values and gallantness of the Puerto Rican soldier serving in the United States Army, as he reads the motto of his badge, with Honor and Loyalty. In them, Puerto Rico brought its best to defend our nation, and those of them who are still among us are a living treasure to whom the generations we have followed owe all possible respect. These Puerto Ricans, then young, responded to the call and fought with courage alongside their fellow Americans, paying the price in blood and lives demanded by freedom, so today it is a duty of justice to remember their history and their brilliant blade of service," she said.

Senator Rick Scott said: "I am honored to join my colleagues today in recognizing the courageous American citizens of Puerto Rico who fought valiantly for decades to defend our country and designate April 13 as the National Day of the Borinqueneers. History will always pay tribute to the sacrifices these brave men and their families made to defend our freedom."


"Puerto Rico has a rich and remarkable military history, which is a source of great pride for those with Puerto Rican roots. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution to designate April 13 as the "National Day of the Borinqueneers". American soldiers from the 65th Infantry Regiment, composed mainly of Puerto Rican men, distinguished the property by their prowess and courage in combat, especially during the Korean War. By once again honoring these Borinqueneers, who were already worthy of the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress pays tribute to all the men and women of Puerto Rico who have given their service and sacrifice in the United States armed forces," said Rep. Stephanie Murphy.

It was chosen on April 13, because on that date in 2016, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment in recognition of the Borinqueneers' numerous contributions to American history and the outstanding military service of World War I through recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Resolution expresses its support for the designation of the National Day of the Borinqueneers, recognizes the courage, service and sacrifice of Puerto Rican soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment in the armed conflicts of the United States; expresses deep gratitude for the contribution made by the Armed Forces of hundreds of thousands of patriotic citizens of the United States.


The measure urges individuals and communities in the United States to participate in activities designed to celebrate the distinguished service of military veterans who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Borinqueneers"; pay homage to the sacrifices made and the adversities overcome by Puerto Rican and Hispanic members of military service; and to recognize the significant contributions to the history of the United States made by the "Borinqueneers".

The bill captures the history, achievements and decorations of this Regiment that include a Medal of Honor, nine Distinguished Service Crosses, more than 250 Silver Stars, more than 600 Bronze Stars and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, as well as national and international recognitions such as two Presidential Citations of the Unit, two Presidential Citations of the Unit of the Republic of Korea.

In the House version, Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) serves as the Democratic leader, joined by co-sponsors, José Serrano (D-NY), Donna Shalala (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-Fl), Bill Posey (R-Fl), W. Gregory Steube (R-Fl), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), Glen Thompson (R-PA), Daniel Webster (R-FL), John Lewis (D-GA), Peter King (R-NY), Mario Díaz Balart (R-FL), Michaels San Nicholas (D-GU), Tom Cole (R-OK) and Gerald Connolly (D-VA).

In the Senate version, Marco Rubio and Bob Menendez joined as well. González-Colón, who was a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee of Congress, has maintained a very active agenda in favor of this community and their families such as having promoted or co-authored over 12 federal veterans benefit laws, having secured funds and driven advances for various works such as the reconstructions of the Ponce, Vieques and Arecibo clinics , awarded Congressional Gold Medals to Borinqueneers, brought in the Veterans Committee twice and held congressional views in Puerto Rico, promotes round discussion tables and participates in meetings of organizations, among others. Soon, they will officially name the mail located on St. John's Alondra Street, as the 65th Infantry Regiment Post office building, a project of the authorship of the resident commissioner that President Trump turned into law.