Political Quotes

“Today Congressman Bill Posey of Florida and I will introduce bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, a famed U.S. Army unit know as the Borinqueneers composed almost entirely of soldiers from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico that overcame discrimination and earned praise and respect for its comeback performance in the Korean war. The Congressional Gold Medal is considered the most distinguished form of recognition that Congress, acting on behalf of a grateful Nation, can bestow upon an individual or group in recognition of outstanding and enduring achievement. As our legislation states: The highly decorated 65th Infantry Regiment is deserving of this award because of its ``pioneering military service, devotion to duty and many acts of valor in the face of diversity.'' Between 1950 and 1953, the regiment participated in some of the fiercest battles of the Korean war; and its toughness, courage, and loyalty earned the admiration of those who had previously harbored reservations about Puerto Rican soldiers based on stereotypes. One individual whose misconceptions were shattered was William Harris, who served as the regiment's commander during the early stages of the law. Harris recounts that he was reluctant to take command of the unit because, like many U.S. military leaders, he assumed that Puerto Rican soldiers were not as capable as other troops.…”