Puerto Ricos 65th Infantry Regiment U.S. Army

 The 65th Infantry Regiment, comprised primarily of Puerto Ricans, began as a volunteer regiment in 1899 and participated in WWI and WWII.  


It was during the Korean War, that they made their mark and saw extensive combat.


In this website dedicated to their accomplishments, you will find their history, photographs, newspaper articles, listings of their many award recipients, and sadly, a listing of those who sacrificed their lives defending American ideals.


As we celebrate Veterans Day, we invite you to pay tribute to those Puerto Ricans and fellow Americans who served proudly. 


Visit these pages and remember and honor them. We would be honored and grateful if you considered adding this website dedicated to Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, as a link on your website.


http://www.valerosos.com/

La Operacion, a documentary by Ana Maria Garcia - Puerto Rico

Learn the truth about the attempt to decimate and eradicate our people by way of birth control. This movie gives you a glimpse of how the government tricked thousands of helpless families. Why do they even call it "getting your tubes tied" it's not like you have the choice to "untie" them.

Women were encouraged to undergo this “fashionable” procedure without being informed about the operation or its consequences. When the jobs promised by the 1950s Operation Bootstrap program failed to materialize, the campaign for female sterilization intensified. In the 1960s Puerto Rican women were used as guinea pigs in the development of the birth control pill. Using data derived from these experiments, the U.S. Agency for International Development promoted sterilization and birth control in developing nations to prevent revolutions troublesome to multinational corporations.


In 1974, Puerto Rican politicians of every stripe spoke before the United Nations to present the case of genocide on the island. At that time, more than one-third (35%) of all Puerto Rican women had been sterilized. By 1981 it was 39%. These rates were actually developed on paper in 1968, but it wasn't until 6 years later that they were fully realized. In 1974, the Puerto Rican Health Department created an auxiliary section of Family Planning headed by Antonio Silva. Silva's department was to direct an extremely aggressive program of population control. Its explicit aim was to lower the birth rate, unlike other family planning programs which were designed to contribute to mothers' health.

The 1982 documentary, “La Operacion,” provides first hand accounts of the sterilization program in Puerto Rico. In the city of Barceloneta where 20,000 women were sterilized over a twenty year period, the mayor proudly boasts to the camera that his factories are filled with women and multiple schools have closed because there are no new children to enroll.

3.966 million people inhabit the island of Puerto Rico today, I'm glad the plan failed.

Grilled Corn a la Cotija Style

• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 6 ears corn, husks on
• 1 medium lime, cut into 6 wedges

Stir together mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl until well combined. Place cheese in a shallow dish that is at least as long as the corn.

Heat the grill to medium high (about 375°F). Before grilling the corn, carefully peel back the husks of each ear a little more than halfway and remove as much silk as you can without pulling the husks off. Then pull the husks back up.

Place the corn on the grill and close the lid. Every 10 minutes, roll the corn a quarter turn so it cooks evenly. (If your grill tends to have hot spots, move the cobs around so they grill evenly.) Cook until the husks are charred and starting to peel back from the corn, about 35 minutes total. Remove from the grill and set aside until the corn is cool enough to handle.

Without detaching the husks, peel them back completely, turning them inside out so they form a handle. Brush the corn with a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture, roll the cobs in the crumbled cheese, and serve. Pass lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn.

Crocodiles in Puerto Rico??

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Invasive crocodiles are making themselves at home in the densely populated Puerto Rican capital and pose a potential threat to humans and pets, researchers said Wednesday.

The new study by the San Juan Bay Estuary Program does not estimate the reptiles' total population, but investigators spotted a dozen in one place on a recent night and there have been hundreds of reported sightings.

The crocodiles are believed to be the descendants of pets brought to the island in the 1960s and are now flourishing in the estuary, which is surrounded by more than 500,000 people.

Holocaust as seen from Mexico - New museum brings lessons of genocide to Mexico

A sad and a very true reality of the past as seen through the eyes of Mexico. I think it's important that we understand the past and educate ourselves about the discrimination that continues to plague us like a disease. 

A small excerpt from an article as printed in the Associated Press:

MEXICO CITY — A new museum is bringing the lessons of the Holocaust and its grim cousins to new generations of Mexicans — and reminding them that the intolerance that feeds genocide can even grow close to home.

The five-story glass and concrete building inaugurated Monday beside Mexico's Foreign Relations Department takes visitors through chilling displays on the Nazi Holocaust and how it was seen from Mexico, then continues through other horrors, including the slaughters of Armenians, Tutsis and Sudanese.

It moves toward the very borders of Mexico as well: the 36-year civil war in neighboring Guatemala, where government forces exterminated scores of Mayan Indian villages during a bloodbath that cost some 200,000 lives and drove thousands of refugees into Mexico.

"It's important as a nation to be very vigilant about any act of exclusion," said President Felipe Calderon during the inauguration. "We have not overcome discrimination, which affects many groups of society — indigenous people, women, children, people with disabilities and migrants."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hpFRqkH0yn2dWggAJOEc1QyVtJnQD9IPLTC80?docId=D9IPLTC80

Mixed feelings about Cristobal C

Other than trying to figure out what businesses are closed and what is open on Columbus Day, many Americans barely give the day a thought. What’s that rhyme, “1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue?”  Most can site that, but may not fully understand why many fellow Americans feel it’s inappropriate to recognize Columbus Day.  The website Reconsider Columbus Day.org has partnered with The United Confederation of Taino People, Rethinking Schools Online, International Indian Treaty Council and Nu Heights Cinema to bring this message asking people to think more about what Columbus Day actually means to America. There is a link on the web site to sign a petition for a national holiday for Native Americans.

Flor De Maga

FLOR MAGA
Puerto Rico's Official National Flower

Puerto Rico’s national flower is the Flor de Maga. The Maga is closely related to hibiscus but unlike the common hibiscus, the Maga is a saucer size flower and grows on a large tree. I have this tattooed on my left arm and have been asked a dozen times if it's the hibiscus. Unless you've been or studied Puerto Rico, you might not be familiar as The maga is native to Puerto Rico and is grown in tropical climates as an ornamental plant, with pink or red flowers. The flower of the maga tree, grows near San Juan in north-eastern Puerto Rico. This giant flower is endemic to the humid forests of Puerto Rico, so it can be also found in other areas of the island. It is cultivated mostly as an ornamental tree for the beauty of its very large flowers although it is also valued elsewhere for its durable timber, which is used for furniture. The Maga flowers are cup-shaped and are broad with five overlapping petals. The Maga flowers are borne singly on long petioles from leaf bases.

Rice with Coconut (Colombia)

"Rice with coconut": In Colombian meals its common to use cereals like rice, corn, and wheat. These are combined with bananas and coconuts.

This recipe was created on the Caribbean coast.

Ingredients:

1 coconut, without its skin. Hold its water
3 tablespoons of hot water
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 cups of rice

Preparation:

1. Place the coconut and its water with the hot water in the blender. Blend well.

2. Filter the liquid. Because the coconut cannot be completely grinded, you need to squeeze the pulp as much as you can so you remove all the possible juice.

3. Boil this preparation until it's evaporated. You will have some kind of oil and coconut bits.

4. Once again, blend the coconut with the rest of the water (2 cups). Filter it and add as much water as necessary to fill 4 cups of this milk.

5. In a pan, place the coconut oil with the sugar and rice. Cook in low heat until the liquid evaporates. Let it rest until the rice is almost transparent. If you wish, you can decorate with any fruit of the season.

Feliz Dia de Independencia para Mexico

2010 is the year of the Bicentennial Celebrations in Mexico. This wonderful country is commemorating   200 years of Independence  from Spanish rule and 100 years of  its Revolution that began in 1910 and toppled dictator Porfirio Diaz.   El Grito every 16^th of September is the Mexican Fiesta par excellence! On this day Mexicans all over the world celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule.


Mexicanos, al grito de guerra
el acero aprestad y el bridón.
Y retiemble en sus centros la Tierra,
al sonoro rugir del cañón.
¡Y retiemble en sus centros la Tierra,
al sonoro rugir del cañón!

Pescado en Salsa Criolla (Puerto Rico)

Puerto Rico's dishes have undergone many influences.


A fusion of African, Taino, and Spanish cooking.  


One of my favorites is "Pescado en Salsa Criolla". I've modified it a little bit to make it easier on the cook and due to the availability of some spices and vegetables in San Francisco, California. 


Let's not forget that a Puerto Rican meal must have rice and beans.  (For those of you that are familiar with what sofrito and sazon is and have it on hand, make sure you add some of this to the salsa) 


Ingredients:
10 ounces of white fish (chopped in large cubes)
1 cup of milk
pinch of salt


Salsa:
2 medium onions (finely sliced)
2 green peppers
4 lemons (juice)
Cilantro finely chopped
Culantro finely chopped
Salt 
Pepper
Olive oil
1 cup of tomato sauce
2 garlic heads (chopped)
Capers
1 roasted red pepper, seedless


Preparation:

1. Chop the white fish (cod, hake, etc) in large and big cubes, about 4 inches.

2.In a pot, place the cup of milk, and add the fish and a touch of salt. Boil on a medium flame, cook for 7 minutes and remove from the fire.

3. In a pan add olive oil and fry the previously fine-sliced onions until they are caramelized. Add garlic and salt and pepper.

4. Add the tomato sauce, lemon juice, cilantro, and culantro. Season again with salt and pepper.

5. Without letting it dry, incorporate the peppers and lastly, the capers. Let the flavors melt in to each other for a few minutes. 

6. It's served in a plate with a bed of white rice. On top of it, place the fish cubes, dripped from the milk. Spoon a generous helping of the salsa on top of the fish. It can be accompanied with some lime wedges. 


I like to serve this with some black beans on the side and some *tostones. 


Enjoy! 


*Recipe for Tostones coming soon. 

Who is Hispanic?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “Hispanic” refers to people in the United States of any race who trace their origin to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. More than 44.3 million people identified themselves as Hispanic in the Census’ 2006 population estimate – approximately 15 percent of the population of the United States. People of Hispanic origin are the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority.

Imagine what 2011 will be like?

Hispanic Heritage Month 2010: Sept. 15 - Oct. 15

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week (THANK YOU PRESIDENT JOHNSON), which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. 

The observance was expanded in 1988 by Congress (Again thank you President Reagan) to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15), effective the following year. America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Bring on the month long par-tay and appreciating the culture, my culture, with the world. 

Pa'lante Puerto Rico y Arriba Mexico! 

Coqui

On the island of Puerto Rico, there is a unique species of tree frogs known as the Coqui. The total family of these tree frogs consists of 16 different native species, 13 of which inhabit the Caribbean National Forest, El Yunque.  Eleven of the 13 are endemic species, that is, they occur only in Puerto Rico. The Coqui belongs to the Family of Leptodactylidae and it is an Amphibian. The Amphibians were the first vertebrates on land in late Devonian times (350 million years ago). Frogs are part of the major members of the class Amphibia that still exist today. The Coqui scientific name is Eleutherodactylus, which in Greek means free toes.

The name “Coqui” comes from the song that the male of the species is often heard singing, what it seems to say is: “Ko-kee... Ko-kee...”. That’s why it is called “Coqui” in Spanish. The Coquies begin to sing at sunset, and sing all night long until dawn when they stop singing and head for their nest.

Mexican prepared Elote

A-Maize-Ing is right. Though corn on the cob is a staple food of an all-American summer picnic, elotes, the Mexican preparation, has been well received stateside. You can find a good version at Nicks Crispy Tacos, where grilled ears of corn are slathered with lime sauce, sprinkled with Cotija cheese and dusted with proprietary chili powder blend. They are about $3 each and are delicious.

1500 Broadway, 415-409-8226

Recommended: Floss.

From the walls, into the streets, and to your home!

2010 Gala Benefit & Art Auction Saturday, September 25th, 2010 6pm - 7pm VIP Reception & Meet the Artists 7pm - 10pm General Admission     View Larger Map From the walls, into the streets, and to your home! Come celebrate the mural arts at ¡VIVA Muralismo! Precita Eyes Muralists Gala Benefit & Art Auction at the SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street (near 8th Street) in San Francisco. Acquire your very own piece of mural history by bidding on original artwork by featured muralists at our live and silent auctions while you enjoy live music, hors d'oeuvres, and a no host bar. Keep muralism alive and thriving by joining the party! Featured Art Own a Piece of Mural History!        Supporting Precita Eyes All proceeds from ¡VIVA Muralismo! benefit Precita Eyes Muralists cultural programs for children, youth and communities. Precita Eyes brings art into the communities it serves, and reaches over 10,000 people annually. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Precita Eyes Muralists Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Precita Eyes Board of Directors Henry Sultan, President Cory Devereaux, Vice President Luz Cervantes, Treasurer Linda D'Avirro, Secretary Raul Audelo Cassidy Blackwell Susan Cervantes Mark Hoogland Kristina Lovato-Hermann Kimberly Newton de Klootwyk Kelenia Olsen Diane Parkhill Greg Voelm Jane Wallace Precita Eyes Staff Susan Cervantes, Founding Director Cory Devereaux, Business Director Ariana Terrance, Communications Director Jessica Baca, Graphic Designer Patricia Rose, Tour Coordinator Brenda Miller, Education Director Missy Ablin, Education Coordinator Eli Lippert, Youth Arts Coordinator Cindy De Losa, Store Manager Rashida Johnson, Administrative Assistant Suaro Cervantes, Facilities Manager Fred Alvardo, Store Assistant Jorge Morell, Tour Docent Yano Rivera, Store Assistant

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