THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A LATINO MILITARY MUSEUM IN BUFFALO, NY

As a member of the Latino Veterans of Buffalo & western New York, one of our goals is to develop a local Latino museum. This museum will house various items such as pictures, articles of uniform, awards and stories that tell the story of the history of Latinos in the United States Military – our contributions and sacrifices.  It will be a museum dedicated to the history, contribution, and memory of our Puerto Rican/Latino Soldiers.

For example, some of the historic information one will find in the Buffalo Latino Museum:

Research articles; there is a long history of Puerto Ricans serving the United States Military since 1889, and very little is known, especially in Buffalo, NY.  In an article by Shannon Collins in the DoD News (Defense Media Activity), he writes that “Puerto Ricans fought in the Revolutionary war of 1779 and helped capture cities such as Baton Rouge Alabama, Pensacola, Florida.”

Did you know that Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the U.S. under the 1998 Treaty of Paris, making Puerto Rico a United State territory?

Did you know that the Army National Guard formed the first Porto Rico Regiment on the Island on March 2, 1917, and thanks to the Jones -Shafroth Act, which gave Puerto Rico U.S. citizenship by birth, though they aren’t allowed, and still are not allowed, to vote for the U.S Presidency.

Since then, Puerto have been actively involved in fighting all the major wars.  In 1917, it is reported that 236,00 Puerto Rican registered and close to 20,00 served in World War I, and did you know that Puerto Ricans had to go all the way to New York in order to enlist.

In World War II, over 60,000 Puerto Ricans served, many giving their lives for the United States flag, and   In the Korean War 61,000 Puerto Ricans served, also, many sacrificing their lives.

The most noted and highly decorated Puerto Rican military group, the 65th infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, 100% Puerto Ricans, were the only segregated unit to fight in every global war of the 20th century.  For their valiant effort, President Obama awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal.

In addition, Puerto Ricans also fought in Viet Nam and in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

A Puerto Rican/Latino museum, located in Buffalo, NY, will maintain the valiant history of our Latino Soldiers who risked their lives for the freedom we are privileged to enjoy today.