TODAY MARKS THE 521 ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF BORIKE (PUERTO RICO) by Christopher Columbus! The contributions of the US Territory of Puerto Rico to the forming of the USA are many; include: US Hispanic/ Puerto Rican Heritage--Erudite Macro History Excerpts/Summary: US Hispanic/ Puerto Rican Heritage (part of roots/linage) dates back to the discovery and initial settlement of the New World; and now United States! Let’s educate; ensure our textbooks don’t elbow out our US Hispanics good contributions to the forming of our noble US! Through the years, Hispanic American citizens have risen to the call of duty in defense of liberty and freedom. Their bravery is well known and has been demonstrated time and again, dating back to the aid rendered by General Bernardo de Galvez during the American Revolution. (US President Reagan) Christopher Columbus discovered the Western Hemisphere on 12 October 1492 (San Salvador); during his 2d Trip he discovered Puerto Rico (Borinken-19 November 1493)-named it San Juan Bautista…, But, in his four trips he never touched the continental land mass of the now USA. Juan Ponce de León (1st Governor of Puerto Rico)--in March 1513, organized an expedition (from the now US Territory of Puerto Rico), and with his Crew (including Blacks, Women…) set sail to find what the Natives called Bimini… • *In the spring of 1513 (April 2) they arrived at a beautiful verdant land which was named “La Florida”… (This dangerous voyage into the unknown put Florida on the Map for others to follow…) • Puerto Rico was the historic 1st gateway to the European settlement of Florida-which opened the doors to the advanced civilized settlement of the USA--107 years before the Pilgrims landed… These Spanish US Hispanic Ancestors (part of Hispanic linage, roots, heritage…)—Made many positive contributions…overtime brought Christianity, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, oranges, the Spanish language, and other good things to America (the name set by Hispanic/European Ancestors). They complemented the worthy contributions of Natives and Others in the forming of the now USA. 1508/1521 Ponce de Leon founded “Caparra” the first settlement in Puerto Rico, but, in 1509 it was moved… to what today is San Juan (where he is buried)—the oldest City under the US Flag… 1565: St. Augustine (Oldest City North America)- was founded by: Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez… 1776-: Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans-US Hispanics-supported the US Continental Army, and fought (for our USA) in the Revolutionary War! General Galvez (Governor of Louisiana-now 13 US States), and General Castro (later Governor of Puerto Rico) bravely fought, against the British, in the important Battles of Pensacola (Florida), Louisiana, Missouri, and others…helping General Washington/ the Minutemen Citizen Soldiers win the War. *US Hispanic Ancestors (Roots/Linage/Heritage) settled what is today California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana (includes now 14 US States) before “James Town” or the Pilgrims… *Many Flags have flown over Florida: Spanish, British, French, Florida … & now our great USA Flag! US Puerto Ricans are the 2d largest loyal US Hispanic Ethnic segment of our great USA Population whose PR Natives (the Tainos), thousands of years ago, left traces in the now US (Georgia)….; have fought since the War of Independence for the USA..., but, suffer *US Citizenship discrimination… ***After, 500+ years, let’s not forget the courageous US Hispanic Ancestors/Explorers legacy that brought advance civilization (of the times); good things to our USA. Also, let’s acknowledge the hard work of Natives/ Immigrants, before & after this milestone; work together for the good of all: Family, Community, Florida, USA, and Humanity! There is one Race-The Human Race—with beautiful skin pigments! Judge on Merit based on fair opportunity-a level playing field! *1898: US invades PR-It becomes a US Territory under the will of Congress/ trite un-democratic Territorial Clause. But, Puerto Ricans loyally serve, sacrifice, bleed & bravely fight to help defend our USA/US Constitution (includes WW-I, WW-II, Korea, Vietnam, World War on Terrorism)…The US 65th Infantry Regiment-The Borinqueneers (recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal)-- set the example. *1917: US Congress imposes a statutory (un-permanent) 2d Class US Citizenship--where loyal US Citizens/ US Veterans have no Federal Vote or Just Representation in the Congress that determines their final destiny.(Congress can discriminate in applying US Constitution to PR, per “Insular Cases” biased Constitution interpretations...) *1952: US Congress allows PR a Territory Constitution/ local Government with broad Powers (almost like a State) but, still under the Territorial Clause—will of Congress with no just representation… till this date. (BY: Dennis O. Freytes, American Veteran; Former Professor/Department Director UPR; Trustee Valencia College)
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 19:36:53 +0000
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