New Haven Borinqueneers member at White House for bill signing ceremony

Connecticut Borinqueneers Celestino Cordova of New Haven and Jose Pickard of Wethersfield joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., today joined at a White House signing ceremony of a bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the renowned 65^th Infantry Regiment, according to a release.

 

"The segregated military unit, whose members were known as the ' Borinqueneers' was composed almost entirely of soldiers from Puerto Rico and played a prominent role in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The unit was the last segregated unit to be deactivated," the release said.

“I felt deep pride and joy standing with Connecticut Borinqueneers Celestino Cordova and Jose Pickard for this historic moment today as President Obama signed into law the bill to finally grant these brave veterans the national recognition and honor they richly deserve. These Borinqueneers valiantly served and sacrificed for our country, enduring injustice on and off the battlefield. This Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the bravery and heroism the Borinqueneers demonstrated abroad and at home,” Blumenthal said, also in the release. “Extraordinary emotion filled the room—and our hearts—as these courageous warriors and patriots joined the ranks of the Tuskeegee Airmen and Navajo Code Talkers in receiving the Congressional Gold Medal.”

Cordova and Pickard are Korean War veterans, the release said.

 

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