LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 2016 as Dominican Heritage Month 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 who
foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthen the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of this great Empire State are proud to recog-
nize and commemorate Dominican Heritage Month, an observance that cele-
brates the contributions of Dominican-Americans to New York State's
unique heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2016 as Dominican
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1838, one of the country's patriarchs and national found-
er, Juan Pablo Duarte, established a secret society called La Trinita-
ria, which sought the complete independence of Santo Domingo without any
foreign intervention; Ramon Matias Melia and Francisco del Rosario
Sanchez, despite not being among the founding members of La Trinitaria,
were decisive in the fight for independence; they and Juan Pablo Duarte
are the three Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic; and
WHEREAS, On February 27, 1844, the Trinitarios (Trinitarians) declared
the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti; and
WHEREAS, The following dates and events are of great significance and
serve as a distinct awareness of the rich Dominican heritage: Tuesday,
January 26, 2016, marks the 203rd Anniversary of the birth of patriarch
Juan Pablo Duarte; and Saturday, February 27, 2016, is the 172nd Anni-
versary of the independence of the Dominican Republic; and
WHEREAS, In February 2016, Dominican communities across the State of
New York will join in celebrating and recognizing the many contributions
and legacies which are attributed to these fine Dominican-Americans; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is honored to recognize several distin-
guished dignitaries, including: Consul General Eduardo Selman of the
Dominican Republic in New York; and Ambassador Pedro Verges, Dominican
Ambassador to the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these impor-
tant celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities; this
much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will foster
greater appreciation for Dominican culture and serve to promote the
spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2016 as Domin-
ican Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Ambassador Pedro Verges; and Consul General Eduardo Selman of the
Dominican Republic in New York.