LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the observance of Portugal Day in
the State of New York, on June 10, 2012

WHEREAS, Every 10th day of June, the Portuguese celebrate their national
holiday known as Dia de Portugal in the native tongue; the rest of the
world recognizes this momentous occasion as Portugal Day; and
WHEREAS, This date commemorates the death of Luis de Camoes, a signif-
icant figure in the history of Portugal; he is best known for his work
on Lusiadas, the national epic poem of Portugal which celebrates the
nation's successes and rich history; and
WHEREAS, Although this holiday is only celebrated officially in the
homeland, Portuguese citizens from other countries such as India,
Brazil, Canada, and other European nations also celebrate Portugal Day;
and
WHEREAS, The Lusiadas is an epic poem that depicts the achievements of
the Portuguese in world explorations during the 16th Century; Portugal
played an important role in the discovery of the new world during this
century and their accomplishments have definitely put this European
country on the map; and
WHEREAS, In fact, legendary voyager Ferdinand Magellan hails from this
proud nation; Camoes' poem captures the essence of this golden era for
the Portuguese as it remains as one of the finest and most relevant
works in Portuguese literature; and
WHEREAS, A monument built in memory of Luis de Camoes stands proudly
in one of the busy streets of beautiful Lisbon, the country's capital
city; it immortalizes the character of Portugal's national poet and is
able to aptly represent the person that he was; and
WHEREAS, Luis de Camoes was known to be an adventurer; among his many
escapades include surviving a shipwreck in the region of Cochinchina
(now known as Vietnam), and losing an eye while in battle in Ceuta;
legend has it that in order to save the Lusiadas, Camoes had to keep it
afloat with one of his hands, while he used his other arm to swim
through the unforgiving waters of the region's seas; and
WHEREAS, His patriotism and bravery are just a few of the qualities
Luis de Camoes had that made the nation choose to celebrate Portugal Day
in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Portugal was conquered by Spain in the year 1580; it is quite
ironic that the nation lost its independence in the year that saw the
death of Camoes; three generations and 60 years of Spanish rule after,
Portugal regained its independence on December 1, 1640; and
WHEREAS, Since then, the country's national day was established and
subsequently celebrated on June 10th; it is because of uncertainties on
Camoes' birth date that Portugal Day was established to commemorate the
hero's death; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the observance of Portugal Day in the State of New York, on
June 10, 2012; and be it farther
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Portuguese organizations throughout the State of New York.