Assembly Resolution No. 2126

BY: M. of A. Raga

COMMEMORATING the 215th Anniversary of Ecuadorian
Independence Day on August 10, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to all who
foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
thereby strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 215th Anniversary of Ecuadorian Independence Day on
Thursday, August 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Ecuadorian Independence Day celebrates the independence
from nearly three hundred years of Spanish rule on August 10, 1809; on
this day Rebels in Quito declared "El Primer Grito de Independencia,"
the First Cry of Independence; and

WHEREAS, Although Ecuador had not gotten their full independence
from Spain this day, it marked the first step and gave courage to other
towns and villages to fight for their independence; and

WHEREAS, Ecuador was the first country in South America to declare
their independence from Spanish rule, and reflects the start of other
countries in South America beginning their fight toward independence;
and

WHEREAS, Ecuadorian Independence Day is celebrated each year during
the weekend following August 10; Ecuadorians show their pride by
celebrating with the parades, concerts, and festivals across the
country, with a heavy concentration of festivities around the "Plaza de
Independencia," or Independence Plaza, in the capital of Quito; and

WHEREAS, Another location of celebration includes the "Palacio de
Gobierno," Government Palace, where bands play Pasillo music as dancers
perform in traditional costumes; a parade for the military forces is
held and followed by an additional parade with bands, dance groups and
pageant Queens and Princesses of Quito; after the parade, concerts,
cultural performances and exhibits, games, food vendors, poultry,
artisan and agricultural fairs are also part of the festivities; and

WHEREAS, In the smaller towns and provinces of Ecuador, festivities
also take place by celebrating with their traditional music, parades,
dancing, festivals, and by sharing communal meals with one another; and

WHEREAS, On August 10, 2021, Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State,
recognized Ecuador's National Day on behalf of the Government of the
Unites States and the American people as Ecuador had celebrated their
212th Anniversary of Independence; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge various
cultures of people who add to the overall diversity of our State, and,
on this occasion, we take the opportunity to recognize the contributions

made by the Ecuadorian American community and extend best wishes to all
of its members as they hold appropriate ceremonies to commemorate this
historic milestone; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 215th Anniversary of Ecuadorian Independence Day on
August 10, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Foreign Minister of Ecuador, Gustavo Manrique M., and
various Ecuadorian organizations in New York.