Assembly Resolution No. 1319

BY: M. of A. Rules (Ra)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
July 28, 2026, as Peruvian Independence Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with recognizing
the contributions of Peruvian Americans to this
great state

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate
historical events which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples
throughout the world to achieve independence and live in peace and
freedom; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 28, 2026, as Peruvian
Independence Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with
recognizing the contributions of Peruvian Americans to this great state;
and

WHEREAS, Peruvian Independence Day is celebrated annually on July
28th, marking a pivotal moment in Peru's history, emerging from
centuries of Spanish colonization that began in the 16th century; and

WHEREAS, The struggle for independence was part of a broader South
American movement, with influential leaders like Jose de San Martin and
Simon Bolivar playing critical roles in the fight against colonial
oppression; and

WHEREAS, Peru declared independence in 1821, and it took several
more years of conflict to fully achieve sovereignty, culminating in a
decisive victory by the mid-1820s; and

WHEREAS, Peru is a country of diverse heritage which includes a mix
of Indigenous and Spanish ancestry; this important day is a celebration
of national pride and the diverse cultural identity of the nation's
populous; and

WHEREAS, Festivities celebrating the independence of Peru typically
include parades, cultural events, and various public celebrations
throughout the country, particularly in the capital, Lima; and

WHEREAS, In New York State, the Peruvian American Chamber of
Commerce of Long Island (PACCLI) and other similar organizations
coordinate official celebrations of Peru's Independence Day and cultural
activities in collaboration with local Hispanic affairs offices and
municipal authorities; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 85,000 individuals of Peruvian
origin living in the State of New York, accounting for about 11% of the
Peruvian population of the United States; around 75% of the state's
population of Peruvians reside in New York City and Long Island; and

WHEREAS, The Empire State is home to numerous Peruvian cultural
events, such as the International Peruvian Parade, Peru Mucho Gusto,

SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival, Peru To The World Expo, and countless
others which contribute richly to the cultural education, community
integration, and the strengthening of multiculturalism in New York; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 100 Peruvian restaurants in New
York City alone, including traditional cuisine, Chifa, and Nikkei
styles; these establishments generate local employment, economic
activity, and international recognition for both the city and the State;
and

WHEREAS, Peruvians residing in New York have made significant
contributions to the visual arts and exhibitions in prestigious museums
(including the MoMA), film festivals in New York City and Long Island,
national and international media outlets, and cultural and linguistic
initiatives that promote diversity and Indigenous heritage among many
other fields; and

WHEREAS, This holiday not only honors the historical struggle for
freedom but also celebrates the unity and resilience of the Peruvian
people; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
great contributions which Peruvians have brought to our State and
Nation, and to wish them all continued success in their purposeful
endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 28, 2026, as Peruvian
Independence Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with
recognizing the contributions of Peruvian Americans to this great state;
and be it further

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