[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE EIGHTH BRONX PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the eighth 
Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, which will be held this Sunday in my 
South Bronx congressional district.
  Mr. Speaker, this year, like each of the past 7, Puerto Ricans from 
all five boroughs of New York City, and from Puerto Rico have come 
together to march along the Grand Concourse, the South Bronx, in 
celebration of Puerto Rican traditions, music, and history.
  Under the leadership of its President, Adolfo Carrion, Jr., the 
parade has continued to grow attracting thousands of visitors from New 
York State and other areas of the United States. This year more than 
400,000 participants are expected.
  The 1996 Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade will commemorate the centenary 
of the flag of Puerto Rico. In its honor, participants will march 
carrying the Puerto Rican flag with pride.
  Mr. Speaker, the idea and design of the Puerto Rican flag were 
conceived in New York City. On December 22, 1895, a group of Puerto 
Ricans patriots met at Chimney Hall, between 25th Street and 6th 
Avenue, in Manhattan, to approve a resolution for the adoption of the 
Puerto Rican flag. The flag which was presented that day was sewn by 
Ms. Mima Barbosa.
  The parade will also honor and recognize the Puerto Rican community 
for transforming New York City into a bilingual city. It is in their 
honor that we celebrate Puerto Rican culture and the Spanish language.
  The parade will feature the music of ``La India,'' Pete ``Conde'' 
Rodriguez, and Ray Sepulveda, among other performers. It will be a day 
of joyful celebration of Puerto Rican heritage.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
individuals and participants who have made possible the celebration of 
the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade--8 years of bringing joy to the 
community.

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