Nation’s First Monument Honoring Puerto Rican Veterans Unveiled in Boston’s South End

Nov 20, 2013
11:13 AM

In case you missed it, a monument honoring Puerto Ricans who have served in the U.S. armed forces was unveiled yesterday in Boston’s South End neighborhood.

Momunment

Here is what the Boston Globe reported:

The crowd of more than 100 people, including many veterans, broke into cheers in both English and Spanish as the monument, located at the corner of Washington and West Dedham streets, was revealed and adorned with a floral wreath fashioned in the style of the Puerto Rican flag.

The monument, the first public memorial in the nation honoring Puerto Rican veterans, depicts two soldiers, one male and one female, and includes an inscription that reads: “La libertad no es gratis,” or “Freedom is not free.”

“The first Puerto Rican veterans monument in the whole country,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Today we honor our Puerto Rican veterans who have fought in every war in the history of this country. You know, we don’t say enough, thank you to the veterans.”