Representatives of statehood advocacy organizations gathered at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to advocate statehood and honor the U.S. armed forces. The group approved a manifesto making their positions clear.
Honoring the military
“We, committed citizens of the people of Puerto Rico, proudly and wholeheartedly reaffirm our unconditional support for the Armed Forces of the United States of America,” the statement began. “We recognize the sacrifice, courage, and commitment of the men and women who serve in all branches of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard—defending the values of freedom, justice, and democracy that we share as an integral part of the American nation.”
After listing the organizations, which included the Extended Delegation-Puerto Rico Chapter, the Statehood Revolution Movement, the Pro-Bases Movement, Puerto Ricans for Permanent Union, the Republican Party-Aguadilla Chapter, the Puerto Rico Statehood Club, the Puerto Rico Young Republican Federation, and the Young Statehood Group, the statement continued: “Puerto Rico has contributed with honor and distinction to the United States military service for more than a century. Our soldiers have fought shoulder to shoulder with their compatriots in defense of world peace and national security, demonstrating loyalty and courage in every conflict and mission. This history of service and sacrifice is a testament to the deep bond that unites Puerto Rico with the American nation.”
Statehood as the only safe and viable decolonizing alternative
In addition to expressing pride in and support for the U.S. ,military and Puerto Rico’s long and extensive participation in the services, the manifesto supports statehood as the best political status option: “Likewise, we declare our firm support for statehood as the only safe and viable decolonizing alternative that guarantees the full self-determination of the Puerto Rican people. Statehood represents equal rights, duties, and opportunities for all citizens of Puerto Rico, eliminating the current territorial status that limits our political, economic, and social development. Permanent union with the United States, through the admission of Puerto Rico as the 51st state, is the legitimate path to democratic justice. It is time for the Puerto Rican people to be recognized with full voice and vote in Congress, with equal representation, and with full access to the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.”
The final statement of the manifesto reiterates the points and celebrates the union of the United States with Puerto Rico.
“The Manifesto proclaims:
- Our unwavering support for the United States Armed Forces.
- Our eternal gratitude to the veterans and those currently serving with honor.
- Our firm determination to achieve statehood as a genuine expression of self-determination and democratic justice.
“For Puerto Rico and for the United States, united in liberty, equality, and common purpose!”
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