About the Film
Funding Provided by
THE BORINQUENEERS
Can be seen on
most PBS stations.
Check www.pbs.org for local listings.
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ABOUT THE FILM
EL POZO PRODUCTIONS, in collaboration with Raquel Ortiz, acclaimed producer of Mi Puerto Rico, is proud to announce the release of The Borinqueneers, the first major documentary to chronicle the never-before-told story of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in the history of the U.S. Army.
Narrated by Hector Elizondo, the documentary explores the fascinating stories of courage, triumph and struggle of the men of the 65th through rare archival materials and compelling interviews with veterans, commanding officers, and historians.
The 65th Infantry Regiment was created in 1899 by the U.S. Congress as a segregated unit composed primarily of Puerto Ricans with mostly continental officers. It went on to serve meritoriously in three wars: World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The unit was nicknamed after "Borinquen", the word given to Puerto Rico by its original inhabitants, the Taino Indians, meaning "land of the brave lord".
When they were finally called to the front lines in the Korean War, the men of the 65th performed impressively, earning praise from General MacArthur. They performed a critical role containing the Chinese advance and supporting the U.S. Marines in the aftermath of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. Sent to every corner of the peninsula, they showed outstanding resilience and a legendary fierceness as combatants, even as they faced discrimination within the Army. But in the fall of 1952 the regiment was at the center of a series of dramatic events that would threaten its very existence.
Puerto Ricans occupy a special place in the history of the U.S. Army. Because of the island's commonwealth status, they don't have the right to vote in U.S. elections, and yet they serve in the military and can be drafted. For many of the veterans of the 65th, this paradox became an incentive to be even more patriotic, to prove themselves in battle 200%.
Although thousands of Puerto Ricans have served courageously in the Armed Forces since World War I, their contribution and sacrifices have gone largely unnoticed. Until now. The Borinqueneers explores the rich history of this unique regiment and uncovers the circumstances that led to its darkest hour.
This film is a result of extensive historical research and interviews with 250 veterans and commanding officers of the 65th Infantry from all over the United States and Puerto Rico. We have been honored by their support and willingness to share their stories with us.
FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
Citizens Educational Foundation
Latino Public Broadcasting
Puerto Rico Humanities Council
National Endowment for the Humanities
American Veterans’ Committee for Puerto Rico Self-Determination
Lucius & Eva Eastman Foundation
Baxter Sales & Distribution, Puerto Rico
Westchester Arts Council
Aetna Foundation
North Fork Bank
Verizon Hispanic Support Group
Metrovest Equities, Inc.
Carlos del Salto
William Cruz
Mariano Vega, Jr.
and donations from hundreds of individuals,
organizations and corporations
Thank you for your support!
For complete list of donors, download this PDF file: Borinqueneers-Supporters.PDF
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