Vandalism of the Monument dedicated to the 65th Infantry Regiment Borinqueneers is drawing widespread condemnation, shock and disbelief.
State Representative Bobby Sanchez said, “So upset tonight, someone vandalized the Borinqueneers monument that so many of us worked so hard on to have erected for the men and women that served in the Korean war.”
City Council member, Ald. Richard Reyes, said that, “As a veteran and a BorÃcua, this insults me beyond belief. Very painful.”
“So sad and so disrespectful,” said Ald. Iris Sanchez.
“I am beside myself that there are people in this community [who] can have such blatant disrespect for individuals who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” said Mayor Erin Stewart.
“I can’t express to you the utter disappointment I feel that anyone in our community would be so cold hearted to disrespect such a treasured Monument with a pure act of evil,” said Ald. Kristian Rosado. “This symbolizes and means so much to so many people. May whomever is responsible for this heinous act be brought to justice swiftly.”
“That’s a hate crime,” added Ald. Aram Ayalon.
Numerous other people online expressed outrage at the vandalism.
“That’s disgusting,” commented Ann Speyer. “So much hard work, love and pride went into building it.”
The Monument was dedicated in 2018 in honor of the highly decorated 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers.
The 65th was organized as a military unit on Puerto Rico in 1898 and its soldiers were primarily Puerto Rican. The unit fought in both World War I and World War II. The Borinqueneers’ service in the Korean War is especially honored.
The 65th Infantry was noted for its bravery in numerous battles in the Korean War. Soldiers of the 65th received 2,771 Purple Hearts, 606 Bronze Stars, 10 Distinguished Service Crosses and a Medal of Honor. Sixty-one thousand Puerto Ricans served in the military during the Korean War, and more than 700 gave their lives in the war.
Members of the unit faced discrimination and segregation, and overcame these and many other obstacles.
At the corner of Washington and Beaver Streets, prominently gracing the main route from the north into the city’s center, the Monument is the largest on the U.S. mainland dedicated to honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment Borinqueneers.
