Monument honoring Puerto Rican Army members vandalized

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The Associated Press

During its service in Korea, the men of the 65th Infantry won four Distinguished Service Crosses and 125 Silver Stars. The “Borinqueneers” were also awarded the Presidential and Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Korean Presidential Unit Citations and the Greek Gold Medal for Bravery. (The Borinqueneers by Dominic D’Andrea via the National Guard)

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — A monument in New Britain that honors Puerto Rican members of the U.S. Army has been vandalized.

The New Britain Herald reports that vandals spray painted the monument and removed a medallion.

The monument across from the New Britain Fire Department headquarters honors the 65th Regiment of the U.S. Army. The unit from Puerto Rico was renamed in 1920 as the Borinqueneers, adopting the name the indigenous people had for the Caribbean island before Spanish colonizers arrived.

Mayor Erin Stewart said on Twitter she was beside herself over the disrespect shown for veterans who have sacrificed their lives for the country.

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The Associated Press