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Council OKs new monumentThursday Apr 12, 2012 Submitted By
City Councilor At-Large
Felix G. Arroyo’s office
Will recognize Puerto Rican Veterans
The Boston City Council unanimously passed a resolution offered by City Councilor At-Large Felix G. Arroyo to support a new monument in the South End honoring all Puerto Rican Veterans, and specifically the 65th Infantry Regiment.
"This monument will memorialize forever the brave acts of the Puerto Rican men and women who have served and continue to serve our country," said City Councilor Felix Arroyo, who showed the other councilors a model of the monument. "How wonderful it would be for young boys and girls to look up at this monument and see their own reflection in this man and woman." Puerto Ricans have been an active and integral part of the United States Armed Forces, participating in every major armed conflict since the Civil War. Boston would be the first city in the United States to recognize the contributions of all Puerto Rican veterans.
"As Puerto Ricans, we have served this country with honor and valor and this monument is a reflection of the contribution that we have made for freedom," said Jaime Rodriguez, a Vietnam Veteran and Project Coordinator of the Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square Association.
The Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square Association was established in 2009 with the mission of restoring the existing monument at Washington Street and West Dedham Street in the South End, which is in the need of urgent repair due to uneven settlement of the ground beneath it.
"More Puerto Ricans per capita have lost their lives in the line of duty than any of the 50 states in the union. It is time we recognize this amazing group of men and women for their dedication and commitment to serving this country," says Alejandra St. Guillen, Executive Director of ¿Oíste?
"This monument has a personal impact on me since my grandfather was a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment," commented Councilor Felix Arroyo. "I hope to one day take my nieces, nephews, and God-willing, my future children to this monument and explain the history of my ancestors and all veterans who fought bravely for our country."
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