Friday, October 31, 2014

Balcon Criollo
La Casita Cultural Center

Price: Free
La Casita Cultural Center
109 Otisco St., Syracuse

Inspired by the work of Puerto Rican artist Pepón Osorio, this gallery-wide installation of meaningful memorabilia pays special tribute to the valiant contributions of Hispanic soldiers in active duty and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. All the memorabilia, photographs and other meaningful objects in view are loaned and contributed for the show by members of the Hispanic communities of Syracuse University, the City of Syracuse and Hispanic American families statewide.

Among the honored veterans, this program especially recognizes the troops of the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the "Borinqueneers", the only segregated all-Hispanic battalion in the history of the U.S. Army. The legendary Borinqueneers gallantly served their country in World War I, WWII, and the Korean War. A former Borinqueneer and Korean War veteran, Eugenio Quevedo, was the guest of honor at the opening reception of the Balcón Criollo.