[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 141 (Monday, October 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                HOMAGE TO DONA FELISA RINCON DE GAUTIER

                                 ______


                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 1994

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I join the Puerto Rican community 
in both New York and Puerto Rico to pay tribute to one of the most 
influential persons in the history of Puerto Rican politics and 
politics in this hemisphere. I am referring to the late Dona Felisa 
Rincon de Gautier. Dona Fela, as she was affectionately know to her 
fellow Puerto Ricans, left behind the legacy of a woman embodying the 
greatness of a people. Her life was that of a leader, a fighter, and a 
visionary--and she will be fondly remembered by all who loved and 
admired her.
  A trendsetter and tireless leader Dona Fela was among the first in 
line when women were given the right to vote, and soon became a driving 
force in the creation of a Puerto Rican presence within the United 
States' political scene. In 1932 this ``Woman of the Americas'' became 
the first of her gender in the Western Hemisphere to be elected mayor 
of one of the largest cities in America: San Juan, P.R. In the 
subsequent years, she led the way in a campaign to both aid and empower 
the island's indigent and impoverished communities, showing, as she did 
in all of her life's efforts that she truly cared for the needy of her 
homeland.
  Throughout her 22 years as mayor of San Juan, she fought tirelessly 
for better educational, health, and childcare programs. In 1949, she 
created the first preschool child care center in San Juan, and by the 
time she left office, there were 20 such centers in existence. In fact, 
it is reported that President Kennedy's administration used this model 
to create the Head Start Program. Dona Fela was also instrumental in 
the creation of Puerto Rico's public health care system, nearly 40 
years before the United States began its discussion on health care 
reform. In addition to this, and as evidence of her dedication and 
foresight, she was a strong advocate of environmental concerns many 
years before the U.S. Government's agenda focused on such issues.
  Through her life-long commitment to public service and humanitarian 
causes, Dona Felisa Rincon de Gautier enhanced our Nation's historical 
commitment to democracy. Last week, when thousands of Puerto Ricans 
lined the streets of Old San Juan and paid final tribute to one of 
their greatest heroes, tossing flowers at the long funeral procession 
as it wound its way through the picturesque streets of the capital city 
and found Dona Fela's final resting place at the Rico Piedras Municipal 
Cemetery--they honored one of Borinquen's greatest daughters. Their 
every tear thanked Felisa Rincon de Gautier, for all her love and 
dedication, they thanked her for her life's work for a people and a 
land that will always cherish her ideals--and will never forget her.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Puertorriquena, I am honored to pay final homage to 
Dona Felisa Rincon de Gautier, a woman whose commitment transcended all 
social and economic boundaries. Puerto Rico has truly lost a political 
giant, one of its greatest champion has been called away, but her 
legacy will prevail for all future generations. And so today, it seems 
fitting, that from this chamber we remember Dona Fela--that we join our 
voice to that of the millions whose life this remarkable woman has 
touched, and with our hearts bid this leader and fighter a final 
farewell, and say: ``Gracias Dona Fela--nunca te olvidaremos!''

                          ____________________