Bill Text: NJ AR78 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to issue postage stamp honoring Borinqueneers.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-10-01 - Filed with Secretary of State [AR78 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-AR78-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman ANGEL FUENTES
District 5 (Camden and Gloucester)
Assemblywoman NELLIE POU
District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)
Assemblywoman VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE
District 37 (Bergen)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Coughlin
SYNOPSIS
Urges Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to issue postage stamp honoring Borinqueneers.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a postage stamp honoring the Borinqueneers, the only Hispanic-segregated unit in United States military history.
Whereas, The 65th Infantry Regiment, created in 1899 as the only Hispanic-segregated unit in United States military history, was mandated by Congress to be comprised primarily of Puerto Ricans; and
Whereas, The 65th Infantry Regiment became better known as the Borinqueneers from the word Borinquen, the name by which the native Taino Indians called Puerto Rico; and
Whereas, The Borinqueneers, throughout their service in World War I, World War II, and most notably the Korean War, served with distinction, participated in nine major campaigns, and earned the respect and admiration of their fellow soldiers and military authorities, most notably General Douglas MacArthur; and
Whereas, The 65th Infantry Borinqueneers earned two United States Presidential Unit Citations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations, and individual members earned ten Distinguished Service Crosses, 421 Silver Stars, and 156 Bronze Stars; and
Whereas, The Borinqueneers made valuable contributions to the United States' war efforts, and suffered a tremendous number of casualties, with more than 3,000 wounded including 600 killed; and
Whereas, Although more than 20,000 Puerto Ricans have served courageously as Borinqueneers since World War I, their contribution and sacrifices have gone largely unnoticed; and
Whereas, Honoring the Borinqueneers with a commemorative United States stamp would be a fitting tribute for these brave soldiers and would serve to educate the American public about their existence and service; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House recognizes the service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers, especially during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and respectfully urges the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a postage stamp honoring the Borinqueneers.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to the President and Vice President of the United States, each member of the United States Congress elected from this State, the Postmaster General of the United States, and to the chair of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a postage stamp honoring the Borinqueneers. The Borinqueneers are the 65th Infantry Regiment created in 1899 by a congressional mandate. It is the only Hispanic-segregated unit in United States military history.
The Borinqueneers, throughout their service in World War I, World War II, and most notably the Korean War, served with distinction, participated in nine major campaigns, and earned the respect and admiration of their fellow soldiers and military authorities, most notably General Douglas MacArthur. They earned two United States Presidential Unit Citations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations. Individual members earned ten Distinguished Service Crosses, 421 Silver Stars, and 156 Bronze Stars.
