[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN PARADE, 40 YEARS OF HISTORY

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy that I rise today to 
pay tribute to the National Puerto Rican Parade on its 40 years of 
history. The parade, to be held on June 8 in New York City, is the 
largest celebration of Puerto Rican culture in the United States.
  Throughout its history, the parade has grown into a national event 
under the leadership of its president, Ramon S. Velez. The event 
attracts thousands of Puerto Ricans from across the Nation and from 
Puerto Rico, as well as many other individuals, their families and 
children, from all ethnic backgrounds.
  This year's parade will honor the life of a Puerto Rican hero, 
Roberto Clemente. Mr. Clemente's exceptional athletic talent was paired 
with his outstanding humanitarian and charitable contributions to this 
Nation. He died 25 years ago in an airplane crash, while he was on a 
mission to help the victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua.
  Mr. Clemente's memory has also been honored with the Congressional 
Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed to an individual by the 
U.S. Congress. Clemente's legacy is an inspiration and an example to 
the children of Puerto Rico, as well as those of this Nation.
  As a Puerto Rican, a New Yorker, and a Member of Congress, it is an 
honor to once again participate in this national event, in which 
thousands of individuals will march along Fifth Avenue, in Manhattan, 
in celebration of our Puerto Rican heritage and our achievements in 
this Nation. Among other accomplishments, Puerto Ricans have been 
instrumental in transforming New York City into a great bilingual city. 
Moreover, the parade has served as a national landmark in which people 
from all ethnic groups unite to commemorate our Nation's glorious 
immigrant history.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring Roberto Clemente and the National Puerto Rican Parade, 
in its celebration of our Puerto Rican legacy, and the many 
contributions made by the sons and daughters of Puerto Rico to the 
greatness of this Nation.

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