[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 88 (Saturday, June 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PROVINCETOWN'S 50TH BLESSING OF THE FLEET

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Saturday, June 21, 1997

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, far from the salt air and 
sea breeze, to pay tribute to the rich heritage in southeastern 
Massachusetts--and across the Nation--of Americans of Portuguese 
ancestry, whose courageous forebears set sail over uncharted waters to 
explore and settle in the Americas.
  Their resolve to set new roots here ensured our Nation would be 
enriched by the profound and diverse influence of Portuguese enterprise 
and culture--from our commercial fishing and whaling industries, to the 
work of John Dos Passos and John Philip Sousa.
  The melting pot which is our Nation consists of many strong and 
enduring flavors. From the 1500's, when Portuguese navigators mapped 
the New World; to colonial days, when Portuguese Jews in Newport 
worshipped with President Washington; to the wave of immigration here 
from the Azores, Madeira, and the Cap Verde Islands; to an exhibit of 
maps and photos honoring this remarkable history which now adorns the 
Halls of Congress--there is a great deal to learn from the principles 
of family, faith, and self-reliance that has sustained a very proud 
people.
  It is thus a particular pleasure to note, with much personal 
anticipation, the first Annual Portuguese Festival to be held later 
this month in Provincetown, MA, where you can always get the best kale 
soup on this side of the Atlantic. This long weekend of reflection and 
recreation is scheduled to coincide with another wonderful milestone: 
The 50th anniversary of the celebration of the blessing of the fleet in 
Provincetown.
  As Portuguese sailors first reached North America, who could have 
imagined the determination and productivity of their descendants?
  From the familiar faces at the donut counter at Adams drug store, or 
the enticing aroma of the linguica roll tray at the Portuguese bakery; 
the immediacy of the response when the firehouse sirens ring, or an SOS 
crackling over the ship-to-shore; the zeal for the sea and for local 
history embodied by the Heritage Museum model of the Rose Dorothea; 
even the sometimes life-threatening adventure called Provincetown Town 
Meeting--from all these, and much more, the tangible tradition of 
extended family in this extraordinary community makes the blessing and 
the festival very special celebrations for all of us.