LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 17th Annual National Puerto
Rican Day Parade, to be held in New York City on June 10, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and applaud events which foster
ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity which represents and
strengthens the fabric of the communities of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade affirms the culture,
identity and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and
exemplifies Hispanic history and tradition as well as the spirit of an
indomitable people; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 17th
Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade, to be held on June 10, 2012,
and to recognize, with grateful appreciation, the contributions of Puer-
to Rican culture, as well as those of thousands of Puerto Ricans, to
this State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is the successor to the
New York Puerto Rican Day Parade, which, for 44 consecutive years, was
the largest cultural event in the United States; attendance at last
year's Parade, the 16th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade, contin-
ued this tradition and is estimated to have been seen by several
million, making it one of the largest outdoor events in the United
States; tens of thousands of participants marched, and the Parade was
televised on a New York City channel, a Metropolitan area Spanish tele-
vision station, and, via satellite, throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Established to develop national awareness and greater appre-
ciation of Puerto Rican culture, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is
a tribute to the unique Puerto Rican heritage and ethnicity and the role
its people play in American society; and
WHEREAS, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc., through a series
of cultural events, including musical productions, plays and art exhib-
its throughout the United States, and culminating in the National Puerto
Rican Day Parade on June 10, 2012, champions the study, improvement, and
advancement of Puerto Rican culture and the arts; and
WHEREAS, The vision and purpose of National Puerto Rican Day Parade,
Inc. is to enhance the pride and self-esteem of the Puerto Rican
people, to promote their economic development, education, cultural
recognition and advancement, and to illuminate the achievements and
contributions of thousands of Puerto Ricans in the fields of business,
government and industry, thereby inspiring and encouraging young people
to realize their dreams and ambitions through education and hard work;
and
WHEREAS, The theme of this year's parade is "Puerto Ricans and Higher
Education," celebrating a proud people and encouraging participation in
higher education; and
WHEREAS, With just pride, this Legislative Body is pleased to recog-
nize and commend the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc., recognizing
its noble cause and exemplary dedication to preserve, promote and
encourage a true understanding and greater appreciation of the spirit
and largess of the Puerto Rican people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 17th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade, to be held
on June 10, 2012, recognizing with appreciation and anticipation, the
worthy purpose and promising vision of this event which fosters ethnic
pride and enhances the profile of cultural diversity which so strength-
ens the fabric of the community of the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Madelyn Lugo, Chairperson, National Puerto Rican Day Parade,
Inc.