The annual National Borinqueneers Day Commemoration will take place at the Buffalo Naval Park at 12:00 PM next Monday, April 13, to honor and remember those who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

National Borinqueneers Day is commemorated each year on April 13 to honor the 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit of predominantly Puerto Rican soldiers who fought in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. In 2020, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included legislation supporting April 13th as National Borinqueneers Day. The United States celebrated the first National Borinqueneers Day on April 13, 2021.

We are very grateful for the support and partnership of the WNY Hispanic American Veterans Memorial Inc., Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc. and the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post 1928 and Auxiliary who make this event possible.

Congress designated April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day in 2021 to recognize the sacrifices of Puerto Ricans who fought in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

“It’s very important because they were not recognized at all and they were segregated. And so this is why we’re here today to celebrate and honor them as men that served our country,” said Marcelina Rodriguez Rondon, member of the American Legion Auxiliary Gabriel A. Rodriguez.

A monument built in the city of Buffalo stands as a reminder of the 65th regiment all year long.

“Here at the bottom, you see that it says in gratitude to all Western New York Hispanic American veterans for their service and then we have a kneeling soldier, and the boots and the hat representing a fallen soldier and paying tribute to that,” Colon said.

It’s giving Puerto Rican veterans the recognition and honor they deserve for their service.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to have them recognized. And it’s a wonderful feeling for our children of tomorrow, of course. And our grandchildren, so that they will come back and also celebrate their honor,” said Rodriguez Rondon.

“I can’t say enough how proud I am, and we all are, to have this monument