Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the Borinqueneers

Colonel Manuel F. Siverio Sr. standing behind a microphone

Colonel Manuel F. Siverio Sr. speaks after being presented with the Congressional Gold Medal.

The Congressional Gold Medal

The Congressional Gold Medal.

Sergeant Major José E. Colón and Colonel Manuel F. Siverio Sr. holding a medal together

Honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers (From left to right: House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI), Sergeant Major José E. Colón, Colonel Manuel F. Siverio Sr., Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (NV), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), and Acting Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy.

Private First Class Miguel Rodriguez Colon standing with his son

Private First Class Miguel Rodriguez Colon and his son. Private First Class Colon, 91 years old, attended the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony, calling it an honor to be recognized after so many years.

Sergeant First Class Ramon Santiago

Sergeant First Class Ramon Santiago fought in the Korean War. Sergeant First Class Santiago said that he enlisted to defend democracy and perform his duty to his country.

Sergeant First Class Angel Acevedo Bernard

Sergeant First Class Angel Acevedo Bernard served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Sergeant First Class Bernard said that he and his fellow soldiers fought for democracy and for their way of living. We are glad to know that what we did in combat will not be forgotten.

Paul Ryan presenting a medal to Colonel Manuel F. Siverio Sr. as others are watching

Honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers (From left to right: House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI), Sergeant Major José E. Colón, Colonel Manuel F. Siverio Sr., Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (NV), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), and Acting Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy.

Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honors the 65th Infantry Regiment

The 65th Infantry Regiment has served United States during times of combat, including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. During the Korean War, the Puerto Rican regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, earned one Medal of Honor, nine Distinguished Service Crosses, approximately 250 Silver Stars, more than 600 Bronze Stars, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts.

On April 13, 2016, the Congressional Gold Medal was presented to the 65th Infantry Regiment. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said the Borinqueneers "showed us time and again that, courage does not know color; decency does not pick sides. These men did not fight to preserve the status quo; they fought to make their country better. And they succeeded."

Although President Harry Truman issued an executive order in 1948 ensuring equality in the armed services, this policy was not yet fully realized by the start of the Korean War. As a result, both African American and Puerto Rican soldiers served in segregated units.

More than 200 Borinqueneers and their family members attended the Congressional gold Medal ceremony, which was held in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, including Sergeant Major Jose Colon and Colonel Manuel Siverio Sr. In accepting the Congressional Gold Medal, Colonel Siverio said the medal is a "well-deserved tribute to the brave men who fought many hard battles." He added, the Borinqueeneers' "devotion to duty and many acts of valor against the enemy demonstrated their skills and their loyalty to the United States."

Click here to watch the full ceremony.