LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 203rd Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of the Republic of Paraguay

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate histor-
ical events which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples through-
out 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 commem-
orate the 203rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Para-
guay, May 14, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Pre-Columbian society in the wooded, fertile region which is
now present-day Paraguay, consisted of semi-nomadic tribes, who were
recognized for their fierce warrior traditions; and
WHEREAS, These indigenous tribes were members of five distinct
language families, and 17 separate ethno-linguistic groups which still
remain today; and
WHEREAS, Europeans first arrived in the area in the early 16th Centu-
ry, and the settlement of Asuncion, the capital and largest city of
Paraguay, was founded on August 15, 1537, by the Spanish explorer Juan
de Salazar y Espinoza; and
WHEREAS, The city of Asuncion eventually became the center of a Span-
ish colonial province, as well as a primary site of the Jesuit missions
and settlements in South America in the 18th Century; and
WHEREAS, Jesuit Reductions were founded and flourished in eastern
Paraguay for about 150 years until the expulsion of the Jesuits by the
Spanish crown in 1767; Paraguay declared its independence after over-
throwing the local Spanish administration on May 14, 1811; and
WHEREAS, The first Paraguayans arrived in America between 1841 and
1850; today, it is still a developing nation; its citizens have endured
through both national political instability and a transition toward a
democratic government; and
WHEREAS, While a small nation in size and population, Paraguay is a
nation of rich cultural diversity; Guarani, the secondary national
language, is spoken in communities throughout Paraguay; and
WHEREAS, There are a number of Paraguayans who have come to New York
City in pursuit of economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
great contributions which Paraguayans 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
commemorate the 203rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of
Paraguay; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to esteemed Paraguayan organizations in the State of New York.