Puerto Rican 65th Infantry will become permanent part of Worcester’s Korean War Memorial in Fall

Puerto Rican Soldiers Who Served to be Honored with Walkway and Marker 

The Korean War Memorial of Central Massachusetts is searching for the names of Puerto Rican soldiers from the 65th Infantry, as well as the names of Puerto Rican soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan to honor in an upcoming ceremony. The organization is working to ensure the contributions and sacrifices of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry are honored. They will become a permanent part of the Korean War Memorial near Union Station with a large celebration being held in October 2007 which is expected to be attended by leaders from around the world. 

According to Colonel Gilberto Villahermosa, U.S. Army Inspector General who is writing a book about the 65th, “Worcester is the first city in the country to pay homage to the Puerto Rican 65th this way outside of Arlington Cemetery.” 

Plans are underway to install a walkway of honor with bricks displaying the name of a Puerto Rican soldier from the 65th or who served in our present day conflict, as well as a permanent marker that will allow families to have a place where they can visit and remember loved ones. 

The Korean War Memorial of Central Massachusetts, headed by Frank Carroll, is looking for the help of individuals in the community to identify individuals who deserved to be honored. Any individuals who know colleagues, friends or family that should be honored, please contact the office of State Representative Geraldo Alicea (D-Charlton) at 617-722-2060.