“I am proud and it gives me great pleasure to know that the ‘Borinquneers’ have been awarded the congressional Gold Medal from President Obama for their military service. It is an honorable recognition that the ‘Borinquneers’ truly deserve for their brilliant record of heroism on the battlefield.

“The enormous contribution the 65th Infantry has made in shaping our country’s history truly makes us proud as Americans and Latinos. Thousands of Puerto Ricans, many of which live right here in God’s country, The Bronx, have served courageously as ‘Borinqueneers’ since World War I. The Bronx congratulates and thanks them for their sacrifices and service to our country and offers its eternal gratitude,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.