Assembly Resolution No. 608

BY: M. of A. Cruz

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the
Independence of Colombia

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the formal Independence of Colombia
from Spain at this year's Ofrenda Floral at the Simon Bolivar Monument
in New York, New York, on Friday, July 19, 2019; and

WHEREAS, On July 20, 1810, Colombian patriots stirred the population
of Bogota into street protests against Spanish rule; this was the
beginning of the process that, after almost a decade, led to the
definitive independence of Colombia; and

WHEREAS, It was in Pore, Casanare, that generals Simon Bolivar and
Francisco de Paula Santander, and the Provincial Congress proclaimed
their intentions to form a new government separate of the Spaniards in
1818; and

WHEREAS, Eight years after their initial "cry for independence" in
1810, the pro-independence army left Pore and ultimately defeated their
colonial masters during the legendary Battle of Boyaca; and

WHEREAS, Two hundred years after Simon Bolivar and Francisco de
Paula Santander led the fight for the independence from Spain and
established the Republica; despite the challenges they have met along
their history, the Colombian people have developed a strong national
identity; and

WHEREAS, Simon Bolivar escaped to Cartagena, the main seaport of
neighboring Colombia, which is in rebel hands, and here he pens a
powerful political pamphlet, the "Manifesto de Cartagena," addressed to
the citizens of New Granada; in it, he offers the inspiring vision of a
united effort to expel the Spaniards; and

WHEREAS, In 1819, Simon Bolivar's small force, of only about 2,500
men, used cowhide boats to cross a succession of flooded tributaries of
the Orinoco; this ordeal is followed by one even worse, a mountain
crossing during which a considerable number of the independence band die
of cold; and

WHEREAS, However, the surprise holds, and the men descend from the
high passes upon an unsuspecting enemy; the Spanish army surrendered
after a skirmish at Boyaca, on August 7, 1819; three days later Simon
Bolivar enters Bogota, and the Republica de Colombia is proclaimed on
December 17th; once the independence process was completed, the new
nation covered the entire region of modern Colombia, Panama, Ecuador,
and Venezuela; and


WHEREAS, The commemoration of the Bicentennial of Colombia began on
June 5, 2019, 7:00 a.m. in the village of Barrancones, where some
historians say was the place chosen for the passage of troops from
Venezuela; and

WHEREAS, The Minister highlighted how a group of Araucanians of the
present will prepare to start the march along the old liberation route,
accompanied by members of the Brigade 18 of the National Army, which
will represent 14 historic lancers; and

WHEREAS, From June 7-8, 2019, a Panel of Historians of Bolivarian
Countries was held in Arauca, and the National Symphony Orchestra
offered two concerts for the first time in these cities, one in Arauca
and the next in Tame; and

WHEREAS, To inaugurate the event, President Ivan Duque and Vice
President Marta Lucia Ramirez visited the municipality of Pore, in
Casanare; this auspicious occasion was observed with a commemorative
plaque, a military parade, and a presentation of an official logo by
Vice President Ramirez, as well as a cultural show with the
participation of Walter Silva, Cholo Valderrama, and Jorge Celedon; and

WHEREAS, The 200th Anniversary of the Independence of Colombia
provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their
contributions to the quality and character of life, and, through events
and activities, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of
Colombian history and traditions, and of the role Colombians have
played, and will continue to play, in our society; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Independence of Colombia; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Susana Berenguer, Consul General of Colombia.