Puerto Rican soldiers will have lasting honor in Bridgeport

Nestled deep in the budget-implementation bill that cleared the House early this morning and will be signed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Tuesday afternoon, is a provision to symbolically name a portion of East Main Street in Bridgeport, state Route 127, after the 65th U.S. Infantry regiment. “The Borinqueneers’ Memorial Highway” will be named for a famous group of Puerto Rican soldiers who served in World War I and II and the Korean War. Borinquen was the original name of the island of Puerto Rico, which became a U.S. territory in 1898, following the Spanish-American War.

“I am so grateful the legislature voted in favor of this initiative,” said first-term Rep. Christopher Rosario, D-Bridgeport. “Designating a portion of Route 127 in honor of this brave group does not even begin to repay them for their selfless service, but it is certainly a start.” The memorial portion of the roadway starts at East Main Street at the corner of state Route 130, going north to the junction with U.S. Route 1.

 

“As a Puerto Rican seeing this measure pass through the legislature holds special significance to me,” said veteran Rep. Ezequiel Santiago, in a joint statement with Rosario. “I am thankful we have found a way to honor these brave soldiers in Bridgeport and look forward to driving down ‘The Borinqueneers Memorial Highway.’”