
Diane Alverio Publisher In the fall of 2012, shortly after we launched CTLatinoNews.com, we learned of a story that, unfortunately, none of us had heard before. It is the story of the soldiers of the segregated 65th military regiment based in Puerto Rico. Although, according to historians, they fought valiantly in four wars, they were subjected to discrimination and other abuses by the military itself, merely because they were from Puerto Rico.
It took a young Bridgeport, CT Latino, Frank Medina, to take the lead and work tirelessly to make sure this unit’s role in history became known and their story told. It is a story of American heroes who, instead of cowering because of the abuse, bravely nicknamed themselves the ‘Borinqueneers’ – which derives from the island’s original Taino name, Borinquen – to demonstrate their pride in their heritage.
Medina, a West Point graduate who now lives in Orlando, dedicated many years to develop a grassroots movement, the Congressional Gold Medal Alliance (http://www.borinqueneers.org) , to ensure the unit, which was the military’s last segregated unit, received the Congressional Gold Medal.
Last year, Congress passed the bill and it was signed by President Obama. This past week, Senator Richard Blumenthal, who was an ardent supporter of the CGM bill, along with the Hispanic American Veterans of CT collaborated to present these 65th regiment veterans in Connecticut with a signed copy of the bill honoring them.
Also recognized at the East Hartford Event were Frank Croce, CTLatinoNews.com, Frank Medina, who traveled to CT for the ceremony, LTC Lesbia I. Nieves, and SFC (RET) Carmelo Figueroa.
Nieves, the highest ranking Latina in CT’s National Guard, and Figueroa were recognized for initiating the effort to support the Congressional Gold Medal Alliance in Connecticut.
Croce, a veteran from Waterbury, upon learning of the discrimination and what the ‘Borinqueneers ‘endured while fighting to protect the U.S., joined Medina and countless others in working toward recognition for the 65th.
When we at CTLatinoNews.com learned of the ‘Borinqueneers” in the fall of 2012, we immediately made a commitment to help tell their story, reporting on them and sharing our reports with our local, regional and national media partners. This recognition from Frank Medina, the CGM Alliance and the CT Hispanic Veterans will always be very special to us, as telling the stories of Latinos in the region is why we exist.
We sent our photographer to the ceremony to capture the happy occasion, which included the aging, but still proud, ‘Borinqueneers”, their families and the award winners. We are happy to share this photo gallery, as we pledge continue to tell the story of the ‘Borinqueneers’.
Photos: Tim Becker
Our sincerest thanks to CTLatino News for their unwavering support in furthering the Borinqueneers legacy…Every bit of your coverage becomes a timeless archive in the 65th Infantry history..
Please continue the great job in spotlighting and reporting Latino issues in the region…
Saludos,
Frank Medina
National Chair
Borinqueneers CGM Alliance
http://www.65thCGM.org
This is so wonderful; thank you, Medina for drawing the focus to these brave men.
Most of all, thank you to Rodriguez, Centeno, Guilano and all the other “Borinqueneers” who took such risks and made such sacrifices for us. You’re amazing.
Very impressed with the honor and respect awarded to my husband, Manuel, and the rest of the Borinqueneers on May 29. Juan, Julio and Frank did a fantastic job. Manuel felt very proud.
Thank you very much.
Dear: Connecticut Latino News readers
I We would like to extend a formal invitation requesting your presence in honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers, Connecticut. We are trying to gather a number of different speakers to come in and share information regarding Hispanic’s or Latinos that have succeeded in life in spite of adversities. It is our greatest desire to impart some hope into the many men who sit in these correctional facilities and inspire them with the belief that this world has more to offer them. We appreciate anything you can do that can help us break this horrible cycle of recidivism. In the spirit of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are inviting you or someone you may recommend to the 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month Event here at Osborn Correctional Institution. We would be honored if you would accept our invitation to attend and speak during our National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on any of the following dates and times:
Tuesdays September 20th 2016 – 11:45am to 2:45pm
Tuesdays September 27th 2016 – 11:45am to 2:45pm
Tuesdays October—4th 2016 -11:45am to 2:45pm
Tuesdays October –11th 2016-11:45am to 2:45pm
Dear Borinqueneers muchos saludos hoy dia de
Reyes 01-06-2017 y Saludos para Mayor Angel Escribano Aponte “Herencia Nuestra”. Sincerely, Nestor Luis Rivera P.O Box 937 Belden St Norwalk CT 06852