Assembly Resolution No. 868

BY: M. of A. De Los Santos

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 26, 2026, as the 213th Anniversary of Juan
Pablo Duarte Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired autonomy and
sovereignty on the 27th day of February 1844; and

WHEREAS, The Island of Quisqueya, the indigenous name for what later
became the island of Hispaniola, was the cradle of thinking and
advancement in the western hemisphere, establishing the first university
and cathedral of the New World; and

WHEREAS, On the 26th day of January 1813, Juan Pablo Duarte, the
founding father of the Dominican Republic, was born; and

WHEREAS, During the month of January 2026, Dominicans will celebrate
the 213th Anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte's birth; and

WHEREAS, Juan Pablo Duarte, along with Francisco Del Rosario Sanchez
and Ramon Matias Melia, formed La Trinitaria, a secret organization that
initiated the movement for the independence of the Dominican Republic;
and

WHEREAS, During the month of January 2026, Dominican Nationals and
Dominican Americans from throughout the Dominican Republic, New York
State, and the United States will celebrate the independence of the
Dominican Republic; and

WHEREAS, There are over two million Dominicans living across the
United States, with many concentrated in New York State; and

WHEREAS, The many Dominicans that have lived and worked in New York
State have advanced the ever-growing diversity, strength, and success of
this great State; their contributions and presence will continue to be
an essential part of our communities; and

WHEREAS, Each year, Juan Pablo Duarte Day is celebrated and provides
an opportunity for all people to reflect upon the rich history of the
Dominican Republic and the many contributions of Latin Americans to our
country as well as the world; and

WHEREAS, Many Dominicans have made New York State their home, and it
is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great
contributions which Dominicans, such as Juan Pablo Duarte, have brought
to our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 26, 2026, as the
213th Anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte Day in the State of New York; 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.