THE BILL ITSELF

HR 8079

National Borinqueneers Day

underlined language is being added; struck language is being deleted. Line numbers are the Legislature's own — the same ones amendments cite.

1 House Resolution

2 A resolution designating April 13, 2026, as "National

3 Borinqueneers Day" in Florida and honoring the service

4 and sacrifice of the 65th Infantry Regiment of the

5 United States Army.

7 WHEREAS, in 1899, Congress authorized a volunteer military

8 presence in Puerto Rico, the Battalion of Volunteer Infantry,

9 following the island's designation as a United States territory,

10 and the battalion, composed primarily of Puerto Ricans, was

11 incorporated into the regular United States Army in 1908 and

12 became the 65th Infantry Regiment in 1920, and

13 WHEREAS, during the Korean War, the 65th Infantry Regiment

14 earned the nickname "The Borinqueneers," honoring the indigenous

15 Taíno name for their homeland, Borinquen, and

16 WHEREAS, the Borinqueneers' service during the Korean War

17 resulted in extraordinary recognition of the regiment for valor,

18 including 2,771 Purple Hearts, 606 Bronze Stars, 256 Silver

19 Stars, 9 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 1 Medal of Honor,

20 among other commendations, and

21 WHEREAS, in 2021, the United States formally observed the

22 first National Borinqueneers Day following congressional action

23 designating April 13 to honor the regiment's legacy, and

24 WHEREAS, April 13 is now recognized nationally as National

25 Borinqueneers Day, commemorating the distinguished service of

26 the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, and

27 WHEREAS, Florida is home to one of the largest populations

28 of people of Puerto Rican heritage in the United States, with

29 more than 1.2 million Puerto Rican residents, representing a

30 significant and growing community that contributes to the

31 cultural, social, and economic fabric of the State, and

32 WHEREAS, the Borinqueneers' service represents an important

33 chapter in the United States and Florida history and reflects

34 the enduring contributions of Puerto Rican service members to

35 the defense of the nation, NOW, THEREFORE,

37 Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of

38 Florida:

40 That April 13, 2026, is designated as "National

41 Borinqueneers Day" in Florida in recognition of the service and

42 sacrifice of the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States

43 Army.