Latinos: A Legacy of American War Heroes

Latinos: A Legacy of American War Heroes

Tears rolled down the face of Jaime Lopez as he re-called the torrid memories of the Korean War. Mr. Lopez was a soldier in Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry, a proud and dedicated band of fighting men known as the "Borinqueneers.'" For over 50 years, Lopez believed that the blood of over 700 fallen comrades, in the snow and hills of Korea, would never be recognized. The memories of the heroic men of the Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry, who fought gallantly against Chinese and North Korean forces, fell into obscurity. But a new documentary, The Borinqueneers, by Noemi Figueroa Soulet sheds light on their stories and honors the forgotten heroes of Puerto Rico’s 65th.

Latinos: A Legacy of American War Heroes focuses on the contributions and sacrifices made by Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry and will draw on the PBS documentary The Borinqueneers, set to air on NJN August 6, 2007 at 8 pm.

Latinos: A Legacy of American War Heroes previews the documentary and examines the history behind the formation of Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment. The episode also features reaction to The Borinqueneers which has already garnered praise around the state:

This documentary brings to life the phenomenal contributions of Latinos in general and Puerto Ricans in particular.
– Corey Booker, Mayor of Newark

The story of The Borinqueneers, which we should all learn, is a story like that of the Tuskegee Airman who served so valiantly.
– Mary Sue Sweeny Price, Director of the Newark Museum

I’ve always heard people ask “What are the contributions that Puerto Ricans have made to this country?” This documentary answers this question.
– Johnny Torres, Executive Director of Save Latin America Inc.

Schedule of PBS Screenings:

Thursday, Aug. 2nd at 11am & 8pm &
Sunday, Aug. 12th at 3:30pm - WMFE (Orlando, FL)

Monday, Aug. 6th at 8pm & 9:30pm - WNJN (Trenton, NJ) (LIVE PLEDGE PROGRAM!)

Wednesday, Aug. 8th at 10:30pm - CET (Cincinnati, OH)

Thursday, Aug. 9th at 8pm - WNET (New York, NY) (LIVE PLEDGE PROGRAM!)

Friday, Aug. 10 at 9:30pm - KCET (Los Angeles, CA)

Sunday, Aug. 12th at 7pm &
Saturday, Aug. 18th at 12am - KLRN 9 (San Antonio, TX)

Monday, Aug. 13th at 9pm &
Tuesday, Aug. 14th at 1:30am - WXEL (West Palm Beach, FL)

Wednesday, Aug. 15th at 9:30PM - WPBT (Miami, FL) (LOCAL PLEDGE PROGRAM!)

Wednesday, Aug. 15th at 8pm - WEDU-Ch 3 (Tampa, FL)

week of Aug. 4-11 - WQED (Pittsburgh, PA)
(exact date to be determined)

Monday, August 27th at 9pm - KLRU (Austin, TX)

Thursday, September 13th at 8pm - WGBH-Ch. 2 (Boston, MA)

Sunday, Sept. 16 at 3:30pm - WTTW (Chicago, IL)