H 8079

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 HR 8079  2026
1House Resolution
2A resolution designating April 13, 2026, as "National
3Borinqueneers Day" in Florida and honoring the service
4and sacrifice of the 65th Infantry Regiment of the
5United States Army.
6
7WHEREAS, in 1899, Congress authorized a volunteer military
8 presence in Puerto Rico, the Battalion of Volunteer Infantry,
9 following the island's designation as a United States territory,
10    and the battalion, composed primarily of Puerto Ricans, was
11    incorporated into the regular United States Army in 1908 and
12    became the 65th Infantry Regiment in 1920, and
13WHEREAS, during the Korean War, the 65th Infantry Regiment
14    earned the nickname "The Borinqueneers," honoring the indigenous
15    Taíno name for their homeland, Borinquen, and
16WHEREAS, the Borinqueneers' service during the Korean War
17    resulted in extraordinary recognition of the regiment for valor,
18    including 2,771 Purple Hearts, 606 Bronze Stars, 256 Silver
19    Stars, 9 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 1 Medal of Honor,
20    among other commendations, and
21WHEREAS, in 2021, the United States formally observed the
22    first National Borinqueneers Day following congressional action
23    designating April 13 to honor the regiment's legacy, and
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 HR 8079  2026
24WHEREAS, April 13 is now recognized nationally as National
25    Borinqueneers Day, commemorating the distinguished service of
26    the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, and
27WHEREAS, Florida is home to one of the largest populations
28    of people of Puerto Rican heritage in the United States, with
29    more than 1.2 million Puerto Rican residents, representing a
30    significant and growing community that contributes to the
31    cultural, social, and economic fabric of the State, and
32WHEREAS, the Borinqueneers' service represents an important
33    chapter in the United States and Florida history and reflects
34    the enduring contributions of Puerto Rican service members to
35    the defense of the nation, NOW, THEREFORE,
36
37    Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
38    Florida:
39
40That April 13, 2026, is designated as "National
41    Borinqueneers Day" in Florida in recognition of the service and
42    sacrifice of the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States
43    Army.
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