Bill Text: GA HR2036 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee; issue all-Hispanic 65th Infantry Regiment stamp; urge
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-04-21 - House Second Readers [HR2036 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2009-HR2036-Introduced.html
10 LC
94 3073
House
Resolution 2036
By:
Representative Marin of the
96th
A
RESOLUTION
Urging
the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States Postal Service to
issue a United States postal stamp commemorating the heroism of the only
all-Hispanic unit of the United States Army, the 65th Infantry Regiment; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS,
nicknamed "The Borinqueneers," the 65th Infantry Regiment was created in 1899 by
the United States Congress as a segregated unit composed primarily of Puerto
Ricans; and
WHEREAS,
the Borinqueneer nickname originated from the word "Borinquen," the word given
to Puerto Rico by its original inhabitants, the Taino Indians; and
WHEREAS,
with a motto of Honor and Fidelity, the 65th Infantry Regiment exemplified
valiant and courageous service, standing as guardians of this nation's freedom
and liberty during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War;
and
WHEREAS,
members of the 65th Infantry Regiment demonstrated a deep personal commitment to
protecting democracy and a willingness to sacrifice their own personal safety
and comfort to ensure the well-being of their fellow man; and
WHEREAS,
the Borinqueneers were recognized for their service during the Korean War with a
Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of
Korea Unit Citations; and
WHEREAS,
individual Borinqueneers earned ten Distinguished Service Crosses, 163 Silver
Stars, and 421 Bronze Stars, with more than 3,000 wounded and 600 killed in
action; and
WHEREAS,
Puerto Ricans occupy a special place in the history of this nation and the
United States Army because of residents' ability to be drafted and serve in the
military yet their inability to vote in this country's elections;
and
WHEREAS, in 1956, this regiment of dedicated soldiers was the last segregated unit to be deactivated and became the only unit ever to be transferred from an active Army component to the Puerto Rico National Guard; and
WHEREAS, in 1956, this regiment of dedicated soldiers was the last segregated unit to be deactivated and became the only unit ever to be transferred from an active Army component to the Puerto Rico National Guard; and
WHEREAS,
over 20,000 Puerto Ricans have served as Borinqueneers since World War I, and a
commemorative United States stamp would be a fitting tribute to honor their
often unnoticed and unheralded sacrifices and contributions to this
nation.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body urge the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States Postal
Service to issue a United States postal stamp commemorating the heroism of the
only all-Hispanic unit of the United States Army, the 65th Infantry
Regiment.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Citizens
Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States Postal Service.