NCR Diversity, Equality and Inclusion News #54: Hispanic Heritage Month
NCR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - September 2024
Cultural Observances, Awareness Information and Events
Hispanic Heritage Month
The 65th Infantry Regiment
An act of Congress in 1899 authorized the creation of the first native troops in Puerto Rico. It wasn’t until June 30, 1901 that the “Puerto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry” was organized.
Another act of Congress, passed in 1917, was needed to obtain manpower. The Hispanic community was eager to serve its country. Many were native-born soldiers, mostly of Mexican descent, new immigrants from Latin America, Mexico, Cuba and the newly acquired territory of Puerto Rico.
One month after the United States entered World War I, an authorized unit of Hispanic volunteer soldiers formed and headed to the Panama Canal Zone. On June 4, 1920, the regiment was named 65th Infantry.
Although Puerto Rico lies 5,000 miles east of Pearl Harbor, the events of December 7, 1941 had a major effect on the island’s people and way of life. Puerto Rico mobilized its population and economy for the war effort, rationing and sacrificing alongside Americans throughout the country.
Thirteen months after Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entrance into World War II, the 65th Infantry deployed in January 1943 to the Panama Canal Zone, where their predecessors served 26 years earlier thus continuing a legacy of service from World War I.
On February 4, 1944 the 65th Infantry was ordered to North Africa in
preparation for the invasion of Europe. While there, the Puerto Rican soldiers conducted amphibious training and security operations.
In October 1944, the 65th Infantry was assigned to the Seventh Army to help defeat German forces in southern France and end the war.
The 65th Infantry Regiment was nicknamed “The Borinqueneers” during the Korean War. This name is the Arawak Indian name of Puerto Rico.
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Did You Know?
Many people use the terms “Latino” and “Hispanic” interchangeably, but they mean
different things. While most Hispanics are Latino and most Latinos are Hispanic, the terms don’t apply to the exact same group of people.
Latinos refers to people coming from Latin American countries and cultures, regardless of whether the person speaks Spanish. Specifically terrestrial.
Hispanic, relating to Spanish-speaking Latin America or people of Spanish-speaking descent. Specifically linguistic.
Being definitions of Hispanic and Latino are confusing, respect whatever label a person gives themselves.
The term Hispanic was first recognized by the U.S. government in the 1970s after population data was collected, per the request of Mexican-American and Hispanic organizations.
In 2022 research found 62.5 million Hispanics in the U.S., making up 19% of total population.
While Hispanic and Latino people may have different histories and cultures, many are united through their shared language of Spanish.
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Lt. Col. Bonnie Braun
NCR Diversity Officer
