Korean War Veteran, Celestino Cordova and WWII and Korea Veteran Luis Rodriguez are honored by state of Connecticut for their service as members of the legendary Borinqueneers at the State Capitol Tuesday.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman presented the 65th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers” with a proclamation at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Hartford to officially thank them for their service to our nation. The regiment is the only regular active duty U.S. Army combat-arms unit of Latinos who served during the military segregation era. The regiment was activated on June 4, 1920 and participated in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
Nationally, the Borinqueneers and their supporters are lobbying, to have the Congressional Gold Medal bestowed on the Borinqnueeners, a segregated unit and endured numerous discriminatory indignities. But Tuesday, was a day to remember for state residents, Celestino Cordova and Luis Rodriquez, both Borinqueneers who waited more than 50 years to be recognized for their service.
Governor Malloy addresses the veterans in the Capitol’s Hall of Flags.
Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, who has publically called on Congress to issue the Congressional Gold Medal to the Borinqueneers with Latino State Representatives, Angel Arce, Edwin Vargas, Hilda Santiago and Robert Sanchez.
A moment to remember for Connecticut Borinqueneers.
