Photojournalism by Dr Frank Gerratana. Cover photo by Dr Frank Gerratana. Article staff report.
Today, the City of New Britain held annual ceremonies for National Borinqueneers Day in honor of the Borinqueneers, the widely honored 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico, who served the United States with distinction in both World Wars and the Korean War.
“Every year on April 13th,” said the office of Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D), “we honor Borinqueneers Day and the sacrifices made and the adversity overcome by Puerto Rican and Hispanic members of the United States Armed Forces.”
Event organizers said that,
The Borinqueneers, the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico, fought for the United States in both World Wars and the Korean War. In April of 2016, the regiment was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal and every year on April 13 the Borinqueneers’ service is officially honored. The day marks “the sacrifices made and adversities overcome by the Puerto Rican and Hispanic members of the armed forces”. In April, 2018, the City dedicated this monument in front of thousands, becoming the largest standing monument outside of Puerto Rico to honor the Borinqueneers.
Mayor Sanchez introduced the program and State Rep Iris Sanchez (D-25) served as the “Master of Ceremonies”. The event featured remarks from US Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and State Rep Hubert Delany. They were joined by (Ret.) Juan L. Cruz, the Vice President and Founder of HAVOCT Inc. Father Israel Rivera of St Joachim Parish provided both the Invocation and Benediction, and Manny Reyes lead the Ceremonial Wreath Presentation.
While living Borinqueneers PFC Hernan Serrano Davila and CPL Jesus Manuel Marquez Miranda were unable to attend, several families were present to represent their veteran relatives. Representing SSG Luis Centeno Sanchez were his wife, Lillian Centeno, and his daughter, Ivonne Centeno. CPL Julian Perez was represented by his sons, Willie Perez and Eddie Perez. For CPL Felix Rosado Melendez, his daughter Migdalia Morales and son-in-law Joe Morales were in attendance. Finally, Iris Gonzalez Perry attended as the niece representing PFC Manuel Gonzalez Bernard.
SFC Luis Rodriguez Rodriguez, PFC Jesus Luis Martinez Torres, SSG Jose G. Pickard, SFC Restituto Oyola Alvarez, PVT Abraham Martinez Santiago, and SSG Celestino Cordova were in attendance in honor of the Borinqueneers, as were the Marine Corps League (Hardware City Detachment) the New Britain High School Band and Madrigal Singers and leaders in the New Britain Fire and Police departments.
