Veterans Park in Osceola County is reviving a 60 year old debate due to a naming dispute. Kathy Sperling is leading a "recall group" that wants to remove Osceola County Commissioner John Quiñones, and objects to the park being named after the 65th infantry, "The Borinqueneers", known to Puerto Rico as heroes. Why?

Despite General Douglas MacArthur's praise of their successes in battle, and being awarded four distinguished service crosses, 125 Silver Stars, the Presidential and Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Korean Presidential Unit Citations, and the Greek Gold Medal for Bravery... (to Kathy Sperling) they are traiters.

In the 50s, 94 of them were court martialed for refusing to fight during one point of the Korean War (although clemency to all was soon granted).

Journalist, Darryl E. Owens, digs into the past and comes up with a very insightful explanation... morale. White officer Col. Chester B. DeGavre took over as commander of the regiment, forcing the 65th to discontinue the use of "the Boriqueneers", cutting their rice and beans rations, and forcing them to shave their mustaches (a key symbol of their masculinity at that time).

The true investigation should be of Col. Chester B. DeGavre himself. The question: Why was an officer so incompetent as to demoralize the brave 65th infantry to the point of their refusal to fight any longer. It seems that he was incompetent in his position.

So Mrs. Sperling - must you really draw into question the bravery of soldiers fighting for America 60 years ago to resolve a naming dispute for a Veteran's Park? Shame on you.

Here is the full story.