[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE PUERTO RICAN FLAG'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the design of the Puerto Rican flag, a symbol which 
represents the enormous contribution the citizens of the island have 
made to our Nation. The flag's anniversary will be honored by the city 
of Hoboken and the Puerto Rican Week Committee at City Hall in Hoboken 
on July 13, 1996.
  The flag was completed in New York City at Chimney Corner Hall in 
Manhattan on December 22, 1895. The flag of Puerto Rico has a rich 
history. Dr. Julio J. Henna, led a group of 59 Puerto Ricans who 
organized the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party. As 
part of their activities, a flag was created to rally support for 
independence from Spain.
  The Puerto Rican flag was designed by inverting the colors of the 
single starred flag of its neighbor in the Caribbean, Cuba. The first 
known incarnation of the symbol was made by Manuela ``Mima'' Besosa, 
the Puerto Rican Betsy Ross. The motion to adopt the flag was approved 
unanimously by the Puerto Rican revolutionaries.
  For 100 years, the Puerto Rican flag has symbolized a proud people. 
It has served as a symbol of Puerto Rico's cultural tradition and 
heritage. Puerto Ricans are proud of their many contributions to the 
United States and they are proud of the unique identity their flag 
represents. Puerto Rico has been referred to as the ``Shining Star of 
the Caribbean.'' Her citizens residing in Hoboken are shining stars in 
their community.
  It is an honor to recognize the banner of a group of constituents I 
am proud to represent. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the 
100th anniversary of the creation of Puerto Rican flag.

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