Assembly Resolution No. 475

BY: M. of A. Ramos

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
August 6, 2019, as Salvadoran-American Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 6, 2019, as
Salvadoran-American Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Salvadoran-American Day; and

WHEREAS, The House of Representatives approved a bill on July 18,
2006, establishing August 6th as Salvadoran-American Day, making
Salvadorans the first immigrants to have a federally declared day
celebrating their identity and achievements in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The aftermath of 40 years of internal political turmoil
forced hundreds of thousands of individuals in the Republic of El
Salvador to flee the country and seek peace and security in a new
country, the United States; and

WHEREAS, Salvadoran-Americans constitute a significantly growing
population in the United States, with the majority living in the Los
Angeles metropolitan area, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and
various other areas throughout the United States, including a large
community in Brentwood, Central Islip, and Bay Shore, Long Island, the
area in New York State which has the largest Salvadoran population; and

WHEREAS, The history of the United States is a rich and enduring
tapestry woven with the threads of many remarkable lives, cultures, and
events, and the lives, work, and artistry of Salvadoran-Americans have
added strength, vitality, and purpose to that tapestry; and

WHEREAS, The maturing Salvadoran-American community continues to
make great economic and cultural contributions to daily life in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, Many of these Salvadoran-Americans actively participate in
the United States educational system, further promoting their sense of
American pride within communities in this country; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate for Salvadoran-American families to have
an established day to acknowledge the contribution and value of their
culture to the United States; and

WHEREAS, The strength of the Salvadoran-American culture can be
preserved and passed on to future generations; and

WHEREAS, Salvadoran-American families, communities, and generations
that follow are committed to maintaining both Salvadoran and American
cultures, while promoting cultural interchange; and

WHEREAS, Free of prejudices and as proud men and women,
Salvadoran-Americans participate and contribute to the social,

educational, professional, and political systems of the United States;
and

WHEREAS, Salvadoran-American individuals, families, organizations,
and communities in cities and States across the Nation wish to share the
establishment of a nationally recognized and celebrated
Salvadoran-American Day (El Dia del Salvadoreno), beginning on August 6,
2019, and to be celebrated by all generations that follow; and

WHEREAS, On August 6, 1525, the official founding of Villa De San
Salvador was declared in the Valle de las Hamacas (Valley of the
Hammocks) where the indigenous ancestors of El Salvador fought historic
battles against the submission and abuse of Spanish colonialism in order
to preserve the life and liberty of the Cuscatleco population; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to take note of
those citizens in this great Empire State who are of Salvadoran descent
and who have unstintingly contributed to the educational, social, moral
and economic values so beloved by the people of the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 6, 2019, as
Salvadoran-American Day in the State of New York, in recognition of all
Salvadoran-Americans for their hard work, dedication, and contribution
to the stability and well-being of the United States and 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.