Ensure Borinqueneers Receive Congressional Gold Medal

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, last year, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all-volunteer Puerto Rican unit known as the Borinqueneers. Today, I rise to urge the President to expedite the designing and the delivery of this medal before more of these brave Borinqueneers pass away.

More than 100,000 Borinqueneers served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean war. Puerto Ricans have fought for the United States as far back as the American Revolution, and they continue to do so honorably to this day. Thousands have given their lives defending our country, despite enduring decades of prejudice against them.

The Borinqueneers have been recognized with Distinguished Service Crosses, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts. However, it was not until last year that the first member of the Borinqueneers, Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, following a congressionally ordered review of cases involving potential prejudice.

Today, hundreds of Borinqueneers have made my home of central Florida their home. It is my goal and my honor as their Representative to ensure that they receive this long overdue recognition.

Puerto Rican veterans should not have to wait any longer to receive the equal treatment they deserve. Today, I ask the President to ensure that the Borinqueneers receive their Congressional Gold Medal as soon as possible.

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