Senate Resolution No. 183

BY: Senator GRIFFO

RECOGNIZING the city of Rome, New York upon the
occasion of hosting its 2nd Annual Puerto Rico
Constitution Day Celebration on July 13, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
significant days of historical importance; Puerto Rico Constitution Day
is one such instance; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize the city of Rome, New York upon the occasion of hosting its
2nd Annual Puerto Rico Constitution Day Celebration on Saturday, July
13, 2024, at Bellamy Harbor Park; and

WHEREAS, Constitution Day is celebrated each year on July 25th in
Puerto Rico, commemorating the signing of the Constitution into law in
1952 by Governor Luis Munoz Marin; and

WHEREAS, Until the signing of the Constitution, July 25th had been a
holiday in Puerto Rico known as "Occupation Day" to commemorate the
arrival of United States military forces on July 25, 1898 in an area of
the municipality of Yauco that in the early 20th century would become
the separate municipality of Guanica; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Rico recognizes Constitution Day as a full state
holiday and holds commemorative ceremonies each year on this important
day; and

WHEREAS, The most recent ceremony was held at the Puerto Rico
Department of State headquarters building, the "Edificio de la Real
Intendencia," in Old San Juan with the mayor of Yauco, Abel Nazario, as
the keynote speaker, and Supreme Court Associate Justice Edgardo Rivera
Garcia in charge of the reading of the Constitution's Preamble; and

WHEREAS, According to recent statistics, the Puerto Rican community
comprises 3.3 % of the City of Rome's total population, which is 33,725
residents; accordingly, it is of utmost importance for the City of Rome
and this Legislative Body to highlight the plentiful contributions of
these citizens while acknowledging their storied pasts; 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 Puerto Rican 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
recognize the city of Rome, New York upon the occasion of hosting its
2nd Annual Puerto Rico Constitution Day Celebration on July 13, 2024;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the City of Rome, New York.