LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 5-12, 2016, as Puerto Rican Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those weeks
designated to promote ethnic pride and to enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memo-
rialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5-12, 2016, as Puerto
Rican Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is held on the second
Sunday in June in honor of the nearly four million inhabitants of Puerto
Rico and the people of Puerto Rican heritage or birth who reside in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, The first Puerto Rican Day Parade was held on Sunday, April
13, 1958, in Manhattan, replacing the former Hispanic Day Parade; in
1995, the parade was incorporated as part of the National Puerto Rican
Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, The auspicious parade now hosts over seven major events
throughout New York City; and
WHEREAS, Under the theme Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces (One Nation, Many
Voices), The National Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrates the creativity
and diversity of thought in Puerto Rico and across the diaspora; and
WHEREAS, It is essential that all students learn to understand the
ethnic diversity that is our country; developing ethnic literacy fosters
pride in one's own culture and a respect and appreciation for the
uniqueness of others; and
WHEREAS, Puerto Ricans have contributed to science, technology, the
arts, government and inventions; they have served valiantly to protect
our country by serving in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, Puerto Rican Week honors the contributions of Puerto Ricans
who continue to make contributions toward building a nation where people
of many lands and cultures have historically come together; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5-12, 2016, as
Puerto Rican Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.