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This morning Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) presented the Congressional Gold Medal Award (replica) posthumously to PVT Irvin O. Simmons (KIA), a fallen member of the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment also known as the Borinqueneers, who died in the final hours of the Korean War. PVT Irvin Simmons’ brother, Bobby Simmons, who is also a veteran of the Korean War, received the award on his behalf. The ceremony took place at the Disabled American Veterans Post #109 in Titusville, Florida.

“It is a great privilege to recognize the service and sacrifice of PVT Irvin Simmons by presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to the Simmons family,” said Congressman Bill Posey. “The Borinqueneers participated in some of the fiercest battles of Korean War and awarding such a high honor is an appropriate way to show our gratitude to these heroes for their bravery, their service and their sacrifices.”

“As a founding member of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony National Committee (BCGMCNC), I have been able to experience firsthand the joy and emotions brought to the veterans and their families when a medal presentation is performed. To the Simmons Family, it helped bring closure to the military service of their Hero. It was a privilege been able to coordinate with Congressman Bill Posey and his Staff, which in turn helped elevate our mission, bringing provenance to the ceremony and honor upon all involved in organizing this event. We will never forget,” said Albie Albertorio, Executive Member BCGMCNC (Oviedo, FL).

“As a Borinqueneer, I have mixed emotions whenever I attend BCGM presentations. The feeling of pride is overwhelming, then I look at some empty chairs, I reminisce of those whom were killed in action or have recently departed. I wish they all could see and experience having this award in their hands. PVT Irvin Simmons, will always be my brother and I truly hope he is watching us from heaven. Today we praise his patriotism where he paid the ultimate sacrifice serving with the 65th Infantry Regiment,” said CSM Anibal Albertorio, Borinqueneer (Oviedo, FL).

“The Borinqueneers Motorcycle Club Florida Chapter (since 2005) been riding in honor, tribute and complementing efforts to enshrine the legacy of the members of the 65th Infantry Regiment. As history students, the BMC FLA found a memento made available at the time, when the regiment arrived back from Korea to the USA. NO reproduction, that we know of, is available to the public. Reason, we started this initiative and had this token of appreciation specially made and to be presented gratuitously to our Korean War Borinqueneers. The “Return from Hell” patch, depicts the true meaning of this conflict and the heroic deeds the Borinqueneers did during this hellish time… We are so proud to have been able to present PVT Simmons patch, to his brother Bobby Simmons also a Korean War veteran, whom also was presented with his own patch… BMC and all its Chapters Members are honored to advocate and ride in their name,” said MSG Victor Colon-Rosa (US Army Ret.), BMC Central Florida Council Member (St. Cloud, FL).

“During my tenure as Vice-Mayor of the City of Kissimmee I took the initiative to learn more about our military community, which led me to find about these fine group of soldiers from the US Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment called the Borinqueneers. Since 2012 I have been involved creating initiatives to help promote their legacy, and continue to do so as a founding member and FL Chairperson of the BCGMCNC. Today’s event not only encompasses our mission, but it serves as a reminder of those like PVT Simmons, whom paid the ultimate sacrifice, evidencing our freedoms are not free. We truly hope the Simmons Family enjoyed a just tribute to the military service of their Hero,” said Hon. Wanda Rentas, BCGMCNC Florida Chairperson (Kissimmee, FL).

On June 10, 2014, bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL) and Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR) was signed into law to formally recognize the brave American soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment by presenting them with the highest civilian award that Congress can bestow, the Congressional Gold Medal. This morning’s ceremony was arranged by the Boriqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony National Committee which was organized to ensure that veterans of the 65th Infantry Regiment received proper recognition for their