What is National Borinqueneers Day?
National Borinqueneers Day, April 13th, honors the sacrifices of the Volunteer Infantry Regiment in Puerto Rico. Today the regiment is designated as the United States Army's 65th Infantry Regiment.
In Puerto Rico, the year after the island became a United States territory in 1899, Congress first approved a volunteer military presence. Puerto Rico's military forces have served faithfully since the Spanish-American War, but often in limited or non-combat roles, as well as in limited or non-combat roles. The military demobilized the 65th Infantry at the end of World War II. The United States reactivated the combat-ready units as the Korean War came out, but the 65th was also activated.
The 65th adopted the term "The Borinqueneers" during the Korean War. The name honors the Tano Indians, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico or the island of Borinquen. Their activities during the Korean War provided significant assistance. Among other accolades and prizes, the Borinqueneers received several awards, including more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, 600 Bronze Stars, 250 Silver Stars, 9 Distinguished Serve Crosses, and 1 Medal of Honor.
How to celebrate #nationalborinqueneersday.
Celebrate the history of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Many who serve in the military from Puerto Rico are lauded. Learn more about the first Hispanic regiment and help your Hispanic veterans. Noem Figueroa Soulet and Raquel Ortiz' documentary One way to do it is to watch The Borinqueneers documentary directed by Noem Figueroa Soulet and Raquel Ortiz. You can even post stories and photos of your Hispanic military family members. No matter how you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalBorinqueneersDay on social media.
