Assembly Resolution No. 575

BY: M. of A. Mayer

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 10, 2017, as Portugal Day 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
organizations which foster ethnic pride and 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 10, 2017, as
Portugal Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Every year on June 10th, Portuguese people celebrate the
national holiday known as Dia de Portugal in their 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
significant 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, The Lusiadas 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 certainly put this European country on the map; and

WHEREAS, A monument built in memory of Luis de Camoes stands proudly
in one of the busiest 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 he was; and

WHEREAS, The first Portuguese came to the United States as early as
the early 16th Century; and

WHEREAS, More robust immigration from Portugal to the United States
began in the early 19th Century when young men became employed in the
New England whaling industry; and

WHEREAS, Portugal has enriched our culture, with the Portuguese
having deep roots and a long history of emigrating to and contributing
to New York; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 147,000 people with Portuguese
ancestry in New York; and

WHEREAS, The Portuguese have greatly contributed to the advancement
of the communities in New York, including Portuguese-American clubs,
sporting clubs, and soccer teams; in addition, they have shaped our

culture and cuisine, offering fish stores selling bacalhau (dried cod),
and bakeries making pastel de nata (custard cakes); and

WHEREAS, The first Portuguese Catholic church in New York State, the
Portuguese Church of Our Lady of Fatima, was established on December 24,
1977, in Yonkers; 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 10, 2017, as
Portugal Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.