State Rep. Dan Ramos’ (D-Lorain) resolution, in support of awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico, passed the Ohio House unanimously. The 65th Infant Regiment, also known as the “Borinqueneers,” is the largest, longest-standing and only active-duty segregated Latino military unit in US history.
“It is right and proper that Ohio honor the esteemed service of this regiment,” said Rep. Ramos. “I am proud to say that with the support of my colleagues, the Ohio House has helped to honor the service of the 65th Infantry Regiment, which includes four surviving veterans living in the Lorain and Cleveland area: Mr. Miguel Berlingeri, Carlos Montes, Francisco Colon and Julio Santiago.”
Borinqueneers have earned numerous honors for their service to the US military, which include one Medal of Honor, 10 distinguished Service Crosses, 256 Silver Stars, 606 Bronze Stars and 2,777 Purple Hearts.
Earlier this summer, President Obama signed the Congressional Gold Medal legislation, making the 65th Infantry the first Hispanic Military unit, as well as the first unit from the Korean War, to be honored in this way.
Ohio boasts the country’s 10th largest Puerto Rican population, which has a heavy concentration in the Lorain and Cleveland areas. Ohio is home to more than 11,000 Hispanic veterans.
Rep. Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek) is a joint-sponsor of this resolution, which will soon be referred to the Senate for concurrence.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
