Since 2021, the United States has celebrated National Borinqueneers Day every April 13. National Borinqueneers Day recognizes the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, for their contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces.
On this day, we remember the men of the 65th Infantry for their service, challenges, bravery, and sacrifices during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and honor the unit’s Puerto Rican heritage. The name “Borinqueneers” itself, earned during the Korean War, pays homage to that heritage as it stems from “Borinquen,” the indigenous Taíno name for Puerto Rico. The Taino Indians were the native inhabitants of Puerto Rico, or Borinquen. The unit’s motto is: “Honor et Fidelitas,” which is Latin for “Honor and Fidelity.”
The 65th Infantry Regiment was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Barack Obama during an official ceremony on June 10, 2014, in recognition of their valor and service to our nation. They were the only Hispanic unit from the Korean War to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal as a unit.
Many individual soldiers from the 65th Regiment also earned medals for valor and service, including Medals of Honor, Distinguished Service Crosses, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts. For instance, Master Sergeant Juan E. Negrón was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2014 for extraordinary heroism during the Korean War. Several Borinqueneers also earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest U.S. Army Award for valor. The most documented include:
- Sergeant First Class Modesto Cartagena, who was also named the most decorated soldier during the Korean War,
- Sergeant First Class Felix Conde‑Falcón, and
- Captain Pedro Rodriguez.
On April 13, take time to remember the valor and unique dedication of the 65th Infantry Regiment, and to honor the significant contributions and resilience of all Hispanic soldiers in our military who helped create the nation that we enjoy today. As President Obama said when he signed the bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, “… segregation… set them apart from their fellow soldiers — but their courage made them legendary.”
We should honor the Borinqueneers on this day and every day, while also honoring all of the brave men and women who have served, and are currently serving, in our military so that we may enjoy freedom.
