Blumenthal Statement on Passing of Celestino Cordova
[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released a statement today on the passing of Celestino Cordova.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Celestino Cordova’s passing. Celestino bravely served and sacrificed for our country as a member of the 65th Infantry regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, only to endure injustice on and off the battlefield. I was proud to lead efforts to correct this historic wrong with a bill granting Borinqueneers a Congressional Gold Medal and was honored to stand with Celestino as President Obama signed the bill into law—finally delivering these veterans the honors they deserve. My heart goes out to his family and community as they mourn his loss.”
Cordova, a New Haven resident and Korean War veteran, joined Blumenthal at the White House in June 2014 for the signing ceremony of a bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the renowned 65th Infantry Regiment. The segregated military unit, whose members were known as the “Borinqueneers,” was composed almost entirely of soldiers from Puerto Rico and played a prominent role in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The unit was the last segregated unit to be deactivated.
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