Veterans honored at Puerto Rican SE memorial

On Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, a crowd of about 100 people attended the dedication of a plaque honoring Purple Heart recipients at Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square, 1440 Washington Street.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, Governor Charlie Baker, MA Veterans' Services Secretary Francisco A. Ureña, State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez, City Council President Michelle Wu, City Councillor Ayanna Pressley, City Councillor-Elect Ed Flynn, and other elected officials were in attendance.

In her remarks, Warren noted that, "tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans" defended the United States. "From Army Lieutenant Teófilo Marxuach, who ordered the firing of the first American shot in World War I, to the 65th Infantry Regiment, the 'Borinqueneers,' to the more than 10,000 men and women who have volunteered to serve since 9/11..."

Governor Charlie Baker talked about the sacrifices veterans and their families make, the aid Massachusetts is sending to Puerto Rico, as well as the effort to enroll children from Puerto Rico in Massachusetts' schools.

Baker also warmly embraced the president of the Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square Association, Antonio "Tony" Molina, and presented him with a citation acknowledging his work.