05/25/2026
This Memorial Day, we honor and remember all those who gave their lives in service to this country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🫡 🇺🇸
Among those who served were the men and women of our Basque community, who carried their heritage with them into battle.
While the two men shown in this photograph made it home, they never forgot those who didn’t.
Pierre Ithurburu, WWII veteran, was born in the Basque Country and came to Nevada, where he worked as a bartender before enlisting in the U.S. Army on September 29, 1942 — ready to serve his adopted country. He was sent to New Guinea, where an injury saved his life as his entire unit was later ambushed and killed. He finished the war cooking for officers in Maui, then came home.
Pete Borda, WWII veteran, served as a Private in the U.S. Army Infantry, landing at Anzio, Italy with the 351st Regiment. He went missing in action and was officially reported as a prisoner of war in February 1945. When the war ended, he was liberated from a German prison camp and returned home. Pete earned a Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice.
Their names — and so many others — deserve to be remembered. The N.A.B.O. Basques in WWII Veterans Memorial is working to make sure they are.
Do you have a Basque veteran in your family? We want to hear their story.
Eskerrik asko. 🇺🇸
