Section 13. 65th U.S. Infantry Regiment, Borinqueneers Memorial Bridge.
(a) Findings.--The General Assembly finds as follows:
(1) "The Borinqueneers" was the only all-Hispanic unit in the history of the United States Army.
(2) "The Borinqueneers" is a nickname for the 65th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Division in the United States Army, an all-volunteer Puerto Rican unit. The name was derived from the name borinquen meaning "land of the brave lord."
(3) The unit was founded in 1899 and remained a vital part of the United States Armed Forces until 1956.
(4) "The Borinqueneers" displayed valiant and meritorious service in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
(5) More than 62,000 Puerto Ricans joined the military during World War II and more than 43,000 Puerto Ricans served in the Korean War.
(6) While in Korea, "the Borinqueneers" served in nine separate military campaigns, where hundreds of men gave their lives in service to their country.
(7) In 1959, the regiment was allotted to the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, where the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry still serves.
(8) Since the inception of the unit, more than 20,000 Puerto Ricans have served as "Borinqueneers," but their contributions and sacrifices have gone largely unnoticed by the country at large.
(9) While defending the United States, these brave soldiers have earned 628 Bronze Stars, 258 Silver Stars, 10 Distinguished Service Crosses and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts.
(b) Designation.--The bridge carrying State Route 2005 (Business Route 222) over the Schuylkill River, Riverfront Drive and Norfolk Southern Railroad in the City of Reading, Berks County, commonly referred to as the Bingaman Street Bridge, is hereby designated the 65th U.S. Infantry Regiment, Borinqueneers Memorial Bridge.
(c) Signs.--The Department of Transportation shall erect and maintain appropriate signs displaying the name of the bridge to traffic in both directions on the bridge.