Boston Becomes 1st City in the Nation to Pass a Resolution in Support of Puerto Rican Veterans

Boston City Council Unanimously Passes Councilor Felix Arroyo's Resolution in Support of the Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial Association.

Boston, MA - ¿Oíste? is thrilled to announce that the Boston City Council voted unanimously on a resolution introduced by Boston City Councilor At-Large Felix G. Arroyo in support of restoring and expanding the Puerto Rican Veterans monument in Boston, located in the South End, at the entrance to Villa Victoria. Emotions ran high as every councilor stood to speak in support of the monument and add their name to Councilor Arroyo's resolution.

In 1999, a group of Puerto Rican Veterans successfully petitioned the City of Boston to dedicate the memorial plaque to Puerto Rico's highly decorated 65th Infantry Regiment, making Boston the first city in the country to honor Puerto Rican veterans' contributions. During the past several years, the monument has slanted to one side due to settlement of the ground, creating an urgency to refurbish the site and reset the monument in place.

¿Oíste? and the Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square Association have been leading the advocacy efforts to not only refurbish but also expand the memorial to include a statue that would memorialize the valor and commitment of all Puerto Rican service men and women of all wars who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. "This is a big win for the whole Latino community. 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 committment to serving this country," says Alejandra St.Guillen, Executive Director of ¿Oìste?. 

"Puerto Ricans have distinguished themselves as defenders of this great country since the revolutionary war. We have always fought for the values held dear to all Americans- liberty and justice. Boston will be the first city in the country to erect a monument recognizing the past, present and future contributions made by PR veterans," notes Tony Molina, Project Director for the PRVMA.

For more information on the Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial project, visit www.prvmsa.info or www.oiste.net.

City Councilor Felix Arroyo, PRVMA President Jaime Rodriguez and Jose Masso

Alejandra St. Guillen (¿Oìste), Miguel Chavez (Office of the Mayor), Jaime Rodriguez and Michelle Wu (¿Oìste?)