[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 35 (Friday, February 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    IN HONOR OF THE DOMINICAN RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY OF 
           ELIZABETH, NJ, AND THE DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 23, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the participants of the Third Annual Flag Raising Event 
being held on February 25, 1995, by the Dominican Recreational and 
Cultural Society. I would also like to recognize all my Dominican-
American constituents who celebrate the independence of their homeland 
on February 27, 1995.
  The Dominican Recreational and Cultural Society has dedicated itself 
to helping the Hispanic community. This organization serves its 
community well by organizing events throughout the year that emphasize 
the contributions of Dominican-Americans to this great Nation. It 
strives to bring a little of the Dominican Republic into the lives of 
area Hispanics.
  The flag raising will not only be an opportunity to honor the 
Dominican Republic, but also to celebrate the life of Juan Pablo 
Duarte. Duarte is not only the father of this great Nation but is 
considered a hero throughout Latin America. A young idealist and 
nationalist, he provided the inspiration and courage for the Dominican 
independence movement. He began a resistance movement called La 
Trinitaria, or The Trinity, that would eventually help topple Haitian 
rule in the Dominican Republic.
  Duarte left his beloved home in search of support from other Latin 
American nations. Unfortunately, Duarte fell ill while in the island of 
Curacao and was not able to see his homeland gain independence. 
However, under the leadership of Francisco del Rosario and Ramon Mella, 
a group of rebels launched their own uprising which succeeded on 
February 27, 1844.
  Today, the Dominican Republic is a beautiful nation and a good 
neighbor to the United States. Its cultural vitality and rich heritage 
has contributed to the mosaic painting that is the Hispanic community. 
It is my honor to salute such a great nation on its Independence Day 
and a great organization, the Dominican Recreational and Cultural 
Society on this most joyous event.


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