Senate Resolution No. 2568

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 4-11, 2017, as Puerto Rican Week in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those weeks
designated to promote ethnic pride and to enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which 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, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 4-11, 2017, as
Puerto Rican Week in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The Puerto Rican Day Parade is held on the second Sunday in
June in honor of the nearly four million inhabitants of Puerto Rico and
the people of Puerto Rican heritage or birth who reside in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, The first Puerto Rican Day Parade was held on Sunday, April
13, 1958, in Manhattan, replacing the former Hispanic Day Parade; in
1995, the parade was incorporated as part of the National Puerto Rican
Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, The auspicious parade now hosts over seven major events
throughout New York City; and

WHEREAS, This year's theme is: "Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces" (One
Nation, Many Voices); and

WHEREAS, It is essential that all students learn to understand the
ethnic diversity that is our country; developing ethnic literacy fosters
pride in one's own culture and a respect and appreciation for the
uniqueness of others; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Ricans have contributed to science, technology, the
arts, government and inventions; they have served valiantly to protect
our country by serving in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Rican Week honors the contributions of Puerto Ricans
who continue to make contributions toward building a nation where people
of many lands and cultures have historically come together; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 4-11, 2017, as
Puerto Rican Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.