[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE BRONX PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with joy that I rise to pay tribute 
to the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, on its ninth year of celebrating 
the culture and contributions of the Puerto Rican community to our 
Nation.
  The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade will be held on Sunday in my South 
Bronx Congressional District. The event is the culmination of a series 
of activities surrounding Puerto Rican Week in the Bronx.
  Under the leadership of its founder, Mr. Angel L. Rosario, and its 
president, Mr. Francisco Gonzalez, the parade has grown into one of the 
most colorful and important festivals of Puerto Rican culture in all 
five boroughs of New York City and beyond.
  The parade brings together people from all ethnic backgrounds, 
including Puerto Ricans from the island and all across the Nation.
  It is an honor for me to join once again the thousands of people who 
with pride will march along the Grand Concourse in celebration of our 
Puerto Rican heritage. The Puerto Rican flag and other ornaments in the 
flag's red, white, and blue will gracefully decorate the festival.
  The parade ends at Joyce Kilmer Park, where live music, Puerto Rican 
food, crafts, and other entertainments await partakers. It is expected 
that this year's parade will surpass last year's half-million visitors.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Bronx 
Puerto Rican Day Parade on its ninth year of strengthening ties and 
bringing joy to the South Bronx community.

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