State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, City Councilors Kateri Walsh, Tracye Whitfield and Jesse Lederman, School Committeewoman Maria Perez, Mayoral Aide Mini Marrero, Veterans Services Director Tom Belton and Springfield Veterans Services Staff, and many veterans, supporters and friends attended City Hall to raise the Puerto Rican flag to acknowledge National Borinqueneers Day in the City of Springfield. Mayor Sarno presented a proclamation declaring April 13, 2021 as "National Borinqueneers Day" in the City of Springfield.
Mayor Sarno stated, “This national recognition of the brave and dedicated Puerto Rican and Hispanic members of the 65th Infantry Regiment has been a long time coming. National Borinqueneers Day will pay tribute to the bravery, service, sacrifices, and adversities that our honorable Puerto Rican and Hispanic soldiers overcame while serving our country and beyond. Their contributions to our nation’s history is significant and well deserving of this honor and recognition. God speed and thank you for your service.”
Ward 1 Councilor Gomez stated, “I am so proud to be able to commemorate this event and recognize the heroism of the 65th Infantry Regiment, which served in both World Wars and Korea.”
After the flag raising ceremony at City Hall, the event continued with a visit to Allen Street to honor and recognize Mr. Victor M. Rosario and Mr. Antonio Morales, the only survivors of the 65th Infantry Regiment in the state. Each were presented with a plaque, Mayoral Citation, and a Citation from the City Council honoring them for their service in the 65th Infantry Regiment and to our country.
