[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 38TH ANNUAL JERSEY CITY PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE AND 
                                BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 38th Annual 
Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade and Banquet for their efforts to 
stimulate cultural pride and diversity in Jersey City, New Jersey.
  Armed with a vision to promote Puerto Rican culture through pride and 
unity, the Puerto Rican Day Parade began its annual parade 38 years ago 
in Jersey City--the oldest such parade in the State of New Jersey.
  Starting out with just a few local organizations, both the parade and 
the message of cultural diversity which it emphasizes has grown 
tremendously. This year, the city is expecting more than 70,000 
spectators at the event on Sunday, August 22nd, which starts at Lincoln 
Park in Jersey City.
  The Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade has continued to be a 
success, year after year, because of the dedication and tireless 
efforts of the Parade Committee Members. This year's members are: Hiram 
Cardonia, President; Antonio Torres, Vice President; Enid Rivera, 
Executive Secretary; Lourdes Arroyo, Corresponding Secretary; Evelyn 
Rodriguez, Treasurer; Grimilda Sanchez, Pageant Coordinator; Octavia 
Sanchez, Pageant Coordinator; Iris Tirado, Pageant Coordinator; Mariano 
Vega, Banquet Coordinator; Nidia Davila-Colon, Banquet Coordinator; 
Hiram Cardona; Annie Estrada; Helen Vargas; Elizabeth Morales; Hector 
Garcia; Roberto Valentin; Manay Matta; and Miguel Acosta.
  At the Banquet on Friday, August 20, 1999, which is being held in the 
Casino in Lincoln Park, the Parade Committee will be honoring some 
outstanding and truly noteworthy members of Jersey City's Puerto Rican 
community for all of their contributions to the city. Those honorees 
are: Rafael Bou, Grand Marshal; Hector Rodriguez, Puerto Rican Man of 
the Year; Lourdes Arroyo, Puerto Rican Woman of the Year; Grimilda 
Sanchez, Local Godmother; William Estremera, Local Godfather; Frank 
Lorenzo, Police Officer of the Year; Yomo Toro, Padrino International; 
Roberto Nunez, Fireman of the Year; Nellie Tanco, Madrina 
International; Captain George Bueno, Fire Officer of the Year; Jose 
Cotty, Paramedic of the Year; and Orlando Cuervas, Puerto Rican Artist 
of the Year.
  For its commitment to the Puerto Rican community and the city of 
Jersey City, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Puerto Rican community in Jersey City, all of the committee members who 
contributed to the event, and all of this year's honorees. Its 
remarkable efforts in promoting cultural diversity and unity have truly 
bettered the entire city.

                          ____________________