[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE BRONX PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, once again it is with pride that I rise to 
pay tribute to the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, on its tenth 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 the 
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 hundreds of thousands of 
people who will march with pride from Mount Eden to 161st Street and 
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 decorate the festival.
  As one who has participated in the parade in the past, I can attest 
that the excitement it generates brings the entire City together. It is 
a celebration and an affirmation of life. It feels wonderful that so 
many people can have this experience, which will change the lives of 
many of them. There's no better way to see our Bronx community.
  The event will feature a wide variety of entertainment for all age 
groups. The Parade ends at 161st and the Grand Concourse, 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.
  In addition to the Parade, President Gonzalez and the many organizers 
will provide the community with nearly a week of activities to 
commemorate the contributions of the Puerto Rican community, its 
culture and history.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to this wonderful celebration of Puerto Rican 
culture, which has brought much pride to the Bronx community.

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