Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment to be honored at Worcester's Korean War Memorial

Long overdue recognition of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment will finally occur when the only Hispanic-segregated unit in United States military history is honored in a ceremony held at Worcester’s Korean War Memorial April 13.

The first native Puerto Rican troops were approved by Congress in 1899, designated as The Puerto Rican Regiment U.S. Volunteers. Twenty-one years later, after providing support in defense of the Panama Canal during World War I, the regiment was officially re-designated as the 65th Infantry, U.S. Army. The regiment served in France and Germany during the second world war and was ordered to Korea in 1950.

During the Korean War, the 65th Infantry became known as the Borinqueneers, after “Borinquen,” the Taino name for Puerto Rico. From the front lines, the Borinqueneers participated in nine campaigns as the protecting force for Marines withdrawing from inland positions. General Douglas MacArthur praised their “magnificent ability and courage” remarking that he took great pride as their commander. April 13th has been designated National Borinqueneers Day.

For Alex Arriaga, the Director of Veterans’ Services for the City of Worcester, it’s personal.

Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista will be on hand, along with City Council members Sarai Rivera and Candy-Mero Carlson, state Sens. Michael O. Moore and Adam Gomez and state Rep. Daniel Donahue.

“As a Puerto Rican native, it brings me great joy to honor and pay tribute to the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers, the only all-Hispanic regiment to have selflessly served the United States,” said Batista. “It is important to recognize all who have played a significant role in our country’s history.”

Local businessman and civic leader Francis “Frank” Carroll, himself a U.S. Navy veteran and former chairman of the Korean War Memorial, will offer a welcome and introduction at the ceremony.

“All Americans should be proud of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers," Carroll said. "Their Puerto Rican descendants are such an asset to Worcester County and we will join them to commemorate the soldiers who fought so valiantly.”

By the end of the Korean War, 743 Puerto Rican men died and over 2,300 were wounded. One of every 42 casualties were Puerto Rican soldiers, an enormous sacrifice for a small island to endure. The recognition of their sacrifice and the celebration of a permanent memorial commemorating the brave men of the 65th is a matter of great pride to Worcester’s Latino community.

Gladys Rodriguez-Parker, former director of the Centro Las Americas, is currently a committee member involved in the ceremony.

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“We believe that Worcester is the only city in the country where you can find a memorial that incorporates Puerto Rico,” said Rodriguez-Parker. “For me, it’s the least I can do to keep alive the memory of those who didn’t have an opportunity to tell their stories. They are our ancestors, deserving of our respect and honor.”

Retired Judge Luis G. Perez will serve as master of ceremonies. For Perez, the ceremony represents the opportunity to thank the men who made possible much of his own success.

“As a proud Puerto Rican, I want to make sure that our Puerto Rican community, as well as the general community never forgets the tremendous impact the 65th Infantry had on our relationship with the United States. I would not be enjoying my life if it was not for their valor, bravery, sacrifice and accomplishments. Their legacy cannot ever be forgotten,” Perez said. “Con un fuerte abrazo! Gracias.”

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Puerto Rican troops to be honored at Borinqueneers Day ceremony