[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1997 PUERTO RICAN DAY 
                           PARADE OF PATERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
momentous occasion of the 1997 Puerto Rican Day Parade of Paterson's 
25th Silver Anniversary. The parade will take place on Sunday, August 
24, 1997 in Paterson, NJ.
  The Puerto Rican Day Parade of Paterson was established and 
incorporated in 1972. The goal of the parade was to revitalize and 
maintain the rich cultural diversity that portrays a spiritual, family-
oriented people.
  For more than 25 years, thousands of Puerto Ricans and other Hispanic 
groups traditionally spend a weekend to reflect upon the beauty of 
traditional songs and dances, to be sensitized by colors and fashions, 
and to partake of traditional food and drink. The parade and its week-
long activities have historically fulfilled its intended purpose of 
allowing for the next generation to observe contributions made by the 
Puerto Rican-American community to improve the city of Paterson and 
make it a better place to live, work, and educate the next generation.
  On Sunday, August 24, 1997, the parade will celebrate its 25th 
anniversary and over 100,000 people from all corners of the 
metropolitan area will share in the festivities.
  The 3.5 mile-long parade will commence in the heart of the city of 
Paterson and proceed through the historic downtown shopping district. 
The celebration, as always, promises to be energetic, uplifting, and 
quite spectacular.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the Puerto 
Rican-American community, and the State of New Jersey in recognizing 
the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Paterson's 25th Silver Anniversary and 
commending both its organizers and participants who constantly enrich 
the cultural flavor of our diverse community.

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