October 24, 2013
State Representative Bobby Sanchez lauded a local resolution passed by the New Britain City Council recognizing the Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment, Borinqueneers, with a monument to honor and perpetuate their history.
The 65th Infantry Regiment is the only all Hispanic regiment in the history of the United States Army that participated in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The Borinqueneers were famous for their combative spirit and fearless actions on the field.
Rep. Bobby Sanchez and a group of colleagues, along with Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and three veterans participating at a ceremony presenting the "Borinqueneers", the 65th Puerto Rican Infantry, with a state proclamation in the Hall of Flags at the State Capitol.
The city council agreed to allow a portion of land located at the intersections of Washington Street, Farmington Avenue and Beaver Street for the future location of the monument. When completed, New Britain's will be the first such monument on the mainland. There is currently one in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"I am delighted to see an idea that my nephew Emmanuel and I presented to Mayor O'Brien about a month ago, was quickly adopted and acted upon by the city council," Rep. Sanchez said. "Our city is home to many Puerto Rican residents, veterans and individuals who have been supportive of every effort to honor this amazing group of brave Boricua soldiers who went to fight many of our wars."
Rep. Sanchez noted that he would be working with community members, businesses and supporters to set up a fundraising committee in order to raise needed funds for the monument. During the council meeting, a couple of council members committed their own donations to start up the fundraising.
"This monument has special significance to me, as one of my uncles was part of the Borinqueneers who later served as the Mayor of Rincon for over 18 years," Rep. Sanchez said. "All of these amazing men fought for us honorably. They deserve all the recognition, and honor we can show them, as well as the Congressional Gold Medal we have been pushing for at the federal level."
The resolution included the names of all 15 members on the city council and passed unanimously.