This month on PBS there was the premiere of "The Borinqueneers". It is a documentary film about the all Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment. The only all Hispanic unit in the history of the United States Army. The 65th Infantry Regiment was created in 1899 by the United States Congress as a segregated unit composed primarily of Puerto Ricans with mostly continental officers. They served in three wars: World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
For those of you who do not know: Puerto Rico is an island commonwealth of the United States located in the Caribbean. It shares in many of the benefits of the United States. The people are considered US citizens, but do not have the right to vote in U.S. elections. They do have voice/representation in Congress. Puerto Ricans serve in the U.S. military and can be drafted.
"Borinquen" is the nickname Puerto Ricans use for the island, coming from the original Taino Indian inhabitants of the island.
The film is well researched and has interviews with veterans and archival footage. The DVD has additional interviews and footage not presented in the PBS viewing.
This film give one a view of a proud people that served (and continue to serve) the United States, even through mistreatment and discrimination. It is especially more personal for me, since my parents and grandparents had friends that served/serve ... some never returned. One of my younger cousins just finished serving in the United States Army (he volunteered). My aunt's current husband is even president of The Veterans of Foreign Wars for Puerto Rico and attended the WWII Memorial Inauguration.
For more information:
No comments:
Post a Comment