The Congressional Gold Medal presented to Borinqueneers in attendance, sponsored by Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony National Committee
Last week, the Congressional Gold Medal was presented to the “Borinqueneers”. In attendance was a delegation from Connecticut for the historic ceremony, including ‘Borinqueneers” Jose Pickard and Celestino Cordova, who both served in the 65th military regiment during the Korean War. The segregated infantry unit consisted of soldiers from Puerto Rico who fought valiantly in three wars for the United states, despite being subjected to discrimination and other harsh treatment. Proud of their heritage, they nicknamed themselves the “Borinqueneers” as standing up for themselves. This past week’s ceremony was the culmination of a decade long grassroots nationwide effort to ensure they’re recognized and became part of U.S. history.
Back of Congressional Gold Medal
VA Secretary for Policy and Planning Linda Schwartz (former CT DVA Commissioner) with New Haven Borinqueneer, Celestino Cordova.
Wethersfield Borinqueneer Jose Pickard with Family and Lt. Colonel Lesbia Nieves of the CT Army National Guard
Members of Congress Handing CGM to Borinqueneer, Colonel Manuel Siverio on behalf of the Borinqueneers
Major Frank Medina (Chairman, Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Alliance) with Gabe Botero (Former Congressional Staffer for Senator Blumenthal)
Wreath Laying at Korean War Memorial, Washington.
Gabe Botero, Former Congressional Staffer for Senator Blumenthal, and Joe Rodriguez, Deputy State Director, CT Office – Senator Blumenthal, were part of the Connecticut delegation attending the ceremony. .
Photos provided to CTLatinoNews.com by Gabe Botero (Former Congressional Staffer for Senator Blumenthal)
