Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Expedite Congressional gold Medal for 65th Infantry Regiment

Letter

Dear Mr. President:

I write to you today asking for your assistance in expediting the Congressional Gold Medal for the Army's 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as "the Borinqueneers."

The Borinqueneers fought hard for our nation and, given their age, many of them are concerned they will never see the Congressional Gold Medal. In fact, four Borinqueneers from Florida have passed away since June 10, 2014, when you signed the legislation honoring all Borinqueneers into law. Therefore, I respectfully ask for your assistance in expediting the printing and engraving of the Congressional Gold Medal to honor the most deserving men of the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers.

I first became aware of the Borinqueneers during my service in the Florida House of Representatives. Hearing their heroic stories and the discrimination that the unit faced, I was moved to honor the Borinqueneers with legislation in the legislature recognizing their service. When I came to Washington, it was my honor to cosponsor the Borinqueneers' Congressional Gold Medal legislation that was eventually signed into law.

The men who composed this unit served through World War I, World War II and the Korean War. In fact, the unit boasts 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, over 250 Silver Stars, more than 600 Bronze Stars and nearly 3,000 Purple Hearts. They have served our country courageously and with distinction, and now we must ensure that they all receive their Congressional Gold Medal immediately.

Sincerely,

Marco Rubio

United States Senator

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