HONORING THE MEMORY OF ALL THE SOLDIERS OF PUERTO RICO ON MEMORIAL DAY

On 2025-05-21, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE MEMORY OF ALL THE SOLDIERS OF PUERTO RICO ON MEMORIAL DAY" in the House.

HONORING THE MEMORY OF ALL THE SOLDIERS OF PUERTO RICO ON MEMORIAL DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 21, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 21, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E469] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE MEMORY OF ALL THE SOLDIERS OF PUERTO RICO ON MEMORIAL DAY ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep respect and reverence to honor the memory of all Puerto Rican soldiers who have fallen in combat while serving under the flag of the United States of America. These brave men and women, generation after generation, answered the call of duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice--their lives--in defense of the ideals of liberty, justice, and democracy. Since World War I, following the enactment of the Jones-Shafroth Act in 1917--which granted U.S. citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico-- our island has sent forth its sons and daughters with a steadfast commitment to defend this Nation and its most fundamental principles. During World War II, approximately 65,000 Puerto Ricans served in various capacities, including combat and support roles, across multiple theaters of war. In the Korean War, the legacy of the heroic 65th Infantry Regiment--known as the ``Borinqueneers''--was forever solidified. This segregated unit, composed primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers, met the perils of combat with exceptional valor. Because of their courage and determination, the ``Borinqueneers'' received numerous commendations for their service during the Korean War, including two Korean Presidential Unit Citations, 2,771 Purple Heart Medals, 606 Bronze Stars, 256 Silver Stars, nine Distinguished Service Crosses, and the Medal of Honor. In 2014, this Honorable Chamber awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal--one of the Nation's highest civilian honors. In the Vietnam War, approximately 48,000 Puerto Ricans served, with over 455 making the ultimate sacrifice. Puerto Rican service members have continued to serve honorably in conflicts such as the Gulf War, operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and in various humanitarian and peacekeeping missions globally. These individuals were not only soldiers; they were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, students, farmers, laborers, professionals, and dreamers. Each of them carried with them the cultural identity and dignity of our people. Their lives and sacrifices are living proof that the greatness of a Nation is also measured by the courage and commitment of those who defend it--regardless of their place of birth or the language they speak. This coming Monday, May 26, 2025, we will commemorate Memorial Day under the theme: ``Past, Present, and Future--Honor, Sacrifice, and Legacy.'' These words embody the spirit of this solemn day and the shared responsibility we all bear to preserve the memory of our heroes, to recognize their enduring impact on our institutions, and to sow the seeds of their legacy in future generations. Today, I enter into the Record the eternal gratitude of the people of Puerto Rico. Every flag flown at half-staff, every family photo placed with reverence on a shelf, every name etched in stone is a solemn pledge that we will never forget their service, their sacrifice, or their profound love of country. May the United States Congress, and our grateful Nation, forever honor the memory of Puerto Rican soldiers who have fallen in battle. May their legacy continue to guide us in the ongoing pursuit of a more just, more free, and more inclusive society--one for which they gave their lives.