STATEWIDE – The Borinqueneers, the never-before told story of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, will air on NJN Public Television for the first time on Monday, August 6, 2007 at 8:00 pm, with a rebroadcast later that evening at 9:30 pm. The 78-minute documentary chronicles the account of the only all-Hispanic unit in U.S. history, which was nicknamed “The Borinqueneers” after “Borinquen,” the word given to Puerto Rico by its original inhabitants, the Taino Indians.

NJN also previews The Borinqueneers on Images/Imagenes, its ongoing series that examines the critical issues of the state’s Latino community. Latinos: A Legacy of American War Heroes airs August 2, 2007 at 6:30 pm with a rebroadcast on August 5 at 8:00 am. Major funding for this Images/Imagenes special was made possible by Verizon.

Through interviews and rare archival footage The Borinqueneers explores the unique experience of the 65th Infantry Regiment, culminating in the Korean War and the dramatic events that would threaten its very existence. Bound by a strong cultural identity, the men of the 65th were determined to prove their mettle, in spite of discrimination within the Army and curtailed rights in their own land, where to this day they can be drafted but cannot vote in U.S. elections.

But in the fall of 1952, the 65th would face its toughest challenge when dozens of its soldiers abandoned their positions and were tried in one of the largest courts martial of the war. For more than fifty years, the events that led to the regiment’s darkest hour have been shrouded in mystery and controversy. The Borinqueneers sheds light on this compelling story, revealing what really happened that fall through the dramatic testimony of the men who were there.

The documentary was produced, directed and written by Puerto Rican native Noemi Figueroa Soulet, who took nearly eight years to complete this project. The noted actor, Hector Elizondo, is the film’s narrator. The program will air on PBS stations throughout the year. It will be used in universities and possibly high schools for course study.

“NJN is pleased to offer its viewers the opportunity to learn about the unique 65th Infantry Regiment. In doing so, we also honor the Puerto Rican soldiers who bravely fought in three wars, but whose contributions to our nation were not remembered until now,” said Elizabeth Christopherson, Executive Director of NJN Public Television & Radio.

The Images/Imagenes preview show features the worldwide premiere of the screening of The Borinqueneers at The Newark Museum July 13, 2007, along with an in-depth interview with producer Noemi Figueroa Soulet and excerpts from the documentary. The program focuses on the contributions and sacrifices made by Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment. Images/Imagenes can be seen on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays at 8 am. The series executive producer is Willie Sanchez.