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National Borinqueneers Day is commemorated annually on April 13, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of the 65th Infantry Regiment. These Puerto Rican soldiers bravely fought for freedom while also confronting discrimination. Take time today to learn their stories, support veteran organizations, and ensure their legacy of courage endures.
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Expected National Borinqueneers Day Deals
On National Borinqueneers Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to supporting veteran organizations and initiatives that honor the 65th Infantry Regiment. Nonprofits like the National Borinqueneers Veterans Association, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) often organize events and fundraising drives. Companies like Walmart and Home Depot, known for their veteran hiring programs, may highlight their commitment to military families. Look for local Puerto Rican community centers and cultural organizations to host educational programs or memorial services. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) might offer special promotions for active duty and retired military personnel. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation opportunities as April 13 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Borinqueneers Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #BorinqueneersDay. Share historical facts, personal stories, or links to support veteran organizations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Borinqueneers. Post photos of memorials, share educational resources, or organize a community discussion.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalBorinqueneersDay. Highlight corporate veteran initiatives or discuss the importance of diversity in the armed forces.
National Borinqueneers Day Hero
The 65th Infantry Regiment
History of National Borinqueneers Day
Dating back to 1899, the 65th “Infantry Regiment” was intended only for service on the island of Puerto Rico. They were regarded as unsuitable for combat and overseas deployment.
This racism kept them from serving in combat as they were simply regarded as untrustworthy in battle because of their culture. It was only until the Korean War that the “U.S. Army” decided to use them as first-line combat troops from 1950 to 1953 as part of the 3rd Infantry Division. Also known as the ‘el sesenta y cinco de infanteria’ and its men as the ‘Borinqueneers,’ it was made up solely of Puerto Rican soldiers. The name ‘Borinqueneers’ is both a Spanish and English translation of ‘Boriken,’ the Arawak or Taino indigenous name for Puerto Rico. The three first syllables are read in Spanish and the last one is in English.
Despite the signing of Executive Order 9981 by President Harry Truman in 1948 which paved the way for the desegregation of the armed forces, the 65th Infantry remained a segregated Puerto Rican unit. These soldiers suffered ethnic prejudice such as not being allowed to speak Spanish, cutting off their rations of rice and beans, as well as being ordered to shave off their mustaches. For Puerto Rican males, this was degrading as mustaches symbolized manhood. In the face of these hardships, the Borinqueneers fought relentless North Korean and Chinese soldiers in fierce combat. They continued to serve with distinction in key battles, continuing to pay the price in both lives and dignity until it was deactivated on April 10, 1956.
National Borinqueneers Day timeline
The 65th Infantry officially becomes part of the “U.S. Army” and is known as the Porto Rican Regiment.
The U.S. conducts a military exercise where the aggressor ground forces are made up of the 65th Infantry, which mounts a successful defense against an American force of 16,000 liberators with air and water support.
Many of the 65th Infantry refuse to fight due to poor leadership, which leads to the mass arrest, trial, and sentencing of 91 soldiers from 23 November – to 26 December 1952.
President Barack Obama signs the bill awarding the 65th Infantry the Congressional Gold Medal on June 10.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Borinqueneers Day
Local businesses can honor National Borinqueneers Day by educating their staff and customers about the 65th Infantry Regiment’s history. Consider a donation matching program for veteran support organizations or offer special discounts to veterans and active military personnel. Restaurants could feature Puerto Rican cuisine, donating a portion of proceeds to a relevant cause. Display educational materials or host a small event to share the stories of these courageous soldiers, fostering community awareness and appreciation.
National Borinqueneers Day FAQs
When is National Borinqueneers Day?
In 2027, National Borinqueneers Day falls on Tuesday, April 13, continuing the tradition of recognizing these heroic Puerto Rican soldiers.
How many Borinqueneers served in the Korean War?
The 65th Infantry Regiment saw roughly 10,000 of its soldiers deployed to Korea, making it one of the most decorated units in the conflict.
What is the significance of the 65th Infantry Regiment?
Their legacy extends beyond military prowess; the Borinqueneers symbolize the fight for equality and the invaluable contributions of Puerto Ricans to the defense of the United States.
What does 'Borinqueneer' mean?
It’s a proud moniker that encapsulates their identity as Puerto Rican soldiers, highlighting their unique cultural background and their service to the United States.
How to Observe National Borinqueneers Day
Drink rum and cokes
The 65th infantry was called the ‘Rum and Coca-Cola’ outfit as a jest during their early years. Dedicate a toast — or two— to this cocktail for the bravery shown by these men on and off the battlefield.
Savor a plate of Puerto Rican Rice and Beans
Rice and beans were the Borinqueneers’ special rations. Order the hearty dish or learn to make it at home so you can enjoy its comforting flavors anytime.
Grow a mustache
If you’re a man, consider this as day one and start growing this symbol of manhood. If you’re a woman, encourage the men in your life to grow one in honor of the 65th Infantry’s memory.
5 Stars Of The 65th Infantry Regiment
Major General Juan César Cordero Dávila
During the Korean War, he was appointed commanding officer of the 65th “Infantry Regiment” and rose to become one of the highest-ranking ethnic officers in the “U.S. Army.”
Lieutenant Colonel Teófilo Marxuach
He ordered the first hostile shots fired in World War I on behalf of the U.S. on a German supply ship trying to escape San Juan Bay.
Colonel Carlos Betances Ramirez
He holds the distinction of being the only Puerto Rican officer to lead an infantry battalion in the Korean War.
Master Sergeant Pedro Rodriguez
He was awarded two Silver Stars in one week for operations he carried out on March 24 and March 31, 1951.
Colonel Antulio Segarra
He was the first Puerto Rican Regular Army officer to command a regular army regiment.
Why National Borinqueneers Day is Important
It honors a group from a U.S. territory
Despite not being part of the mainland, the Puerto Rican soldiers showed their dedication to the cause of the U.S.
It makes a significant deal about a minority
It’s not every day that the military services of a minority group get recognized. It shows gratitude towards their brave actions.
It inspires both Puerto Ricans and non-Puerto Ricans alike
Learning about the soldiers’ experiences can help motivate others to live a life of honor and service, no matter what nationality they are.
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