Luis Fortuno: “at the end of the Spanish American War in 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States and became a territory under…”

“at the end of the Spanish American War in 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States and became a territory under the Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution. It was not until 1917, by virtue of the passage of the Jones Act, that people born in Puerto Rico were granted the privilege of becoming citizens of this great Nation. On March 2, 1917, exactly 88 years ago, Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens. We value our citizenship dearly, and over the years, Puerto Ricans have honored their citizenship by making major contributions to our great Nation. We have distinguished ourselves in the arts, the sciences and sports. But most important of all, courageous Puerto Rican men and women have served their Nation proudly defending our valued principles of freedom around the world. Puerto Ricans have served with honor and distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States in all wars and conflicts since 1917 to this day, where 3,400 of our men and women are active in our Nation's war on terrorism, including 825 soldiers currently serving in Iraq. Four Puerto Ricans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award given for valor on the battlefield.”