LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Borinqueneers, the only all Puerto
Rican unit in United States military history

WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment, created in 1899 as the only all
Puerto Rican unit in United States military history; and
WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Regiment became better known as the
Borinqueneers from the word Borinquen, the name by which the native
Taino Indians called Puerto Rico; and
WHEREAS, The Borinqueneers, throughout their service in World War I,
World War II, and most notably the Korean War, served with distinction,
participated in nine major campaigns, and earned the respect and admira-
tion of their fellow soldiers and military authorities, most notably
General Douglas MacArthur; and
WHEREAS, The 65th Infantry Borinqueneers earned two United States
Presidential Unit Citations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two
Republic of Korea Unit Citations, and individual members earned ten
Distinguished Service Crosses, 421 Silver Stars, and 156 Bronze Stars;
and
WHEREAS, More than 20,000 Puerto Ricans have served courageously as
Borinqueneers since World War I; and
WHEREAS, The United States Postal Service's Citizens' Stamp Advisory
Committee is currently considering a commemorative stamp in honor of the
Borinqueneers; and
WHEREAS, As Americans, it is our responsibility to ensure that our
history is documented and reverence is given to our war heroes; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that we, the benefactors of the
sacrifices and courageous acts of the men and women who served and
continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces, express our appre-
ciation and eternal gratitude for their service to our great nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Borinqueneers, the only all Puerto Rican unit in United States
military history; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ruben Estrada, Co-Chairman, The Borinqueneers Stamp Commit-
tee.