Sens. Cruz, Rick Scott, Rubio Recognize Rough Riders During 125th Anniversary Of Spanish-American War

As the United States marks the 125^th anniversary of the Spanish-American War in 2023, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), joined by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), announced a resolution designating June 2 as National Rough Riders Day. The First United States Volunteer Cavalry, nicknamed the Rough Riders, was a regiment that fought valiantly to defend and protect the interests of the United States during the Spanish-American War.

Sen. Cruz said:

“125 years ago, a group of brave men came together and volunteered to defend the United States. The Rough Riders came from all over the country, including Texas, where they trained in San Antonio. Using the skills they learned in San Antonio, they went on to successfully fight for freedom in Cuba. Over a century later, the courage and commitment to freedom the Rough Riders demonstrated is an inspiration for us all.”

The resolution reads:

Whereas the brief history of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (referred to in this preamble as the “Rough Riders”) fighting to defend and protect the United States has made an indelible contribution to the history of the United States;

Whereas the Rough Riders were 1 of 3 volunteer cavalry regiments created by Congress on April 25, 1898, with Leonard Wood named Colonel of the regiment and Theodore Roosevelt named Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment;

Whereas although the volunteer cavalry regiments were initially to recruit from the Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma Territories, the notoriety of the leaders of the Rough Riders inspired recruits from all portions of the United States to go to San Antonio, Texas, to enlist;

…

Whereas, the Army invasion fleet sailed on June 14 with the Rough Riders, and the 5th Corps landed at Daquiri, Cuba on June 22, 1898;

Whereas, on June 24, 1898, the Rough Riders, along with the 10th Unites States Cavalry Regiment (referred to in this preamble as the “Buffalo Soldiers”)—

(1) led the advance of the 5th Corps; and

(2) met, engaged, and caused the retreat, of Spanish forces at the Battle of Las Guasimas, while sustaining the first casualties of the Cuba campaign;

Whereas, on July 1, 1898, the Rough Riders, under the command of the future President Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, led the charge at Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill, serving alongside the Buffalo Soldiers;

Whereas, despite the Rough Riders sustaining considerable losses, the Rough Riders participated in the siege of Santiago de Cuba and were present for the surrender of the enemy forces, which signaled the end of hostilities in Cuba;

Whereas, during the Cuba campaign, the courage and tenacity of the Rough Riders in battle resulted in—

(1) 2 officers and 21 enlisted killed in action; and

(2) 7 officers and 97 enlisted wounded in action;

…

Whereas from the formation of the Rough Riders to its disbandment, the Rough Riders suffered a 37 percent casualty rate during the Cuba campaign, the highest of any cavalry or infantry regiment in the Armed Forces;

…

Whereas the history and military achievements of the members of the Rough Riders, including their post-service contributions to the United States and their fight to defend the United States and liberate an oppressed people, warrant special expressions of the gratitude by the people of the United States; and

Whereas the decedents and beneficiaries of the achievements of the Rough Riders celebrate June 2, 2023, as the 125th Anniversary of the Rough Riders in the Spanish American War: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates June 2, 2023, as “National Rough Rider Day”; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities

The full text can be found here.