[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1281-E1282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE PUERTO RICAN PARADE AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the activities 
of the Puerto Rican Parade and Cultural Organization of Northwest 
Indiana. On Sunday, July 16, 2000, I had the privilege of attending 
this year's kickoff of the organization's festivities, at the Puerto 
Rican Dia Del Camp Kickoff Picnic in East Chicago, Indiana. On 
Thursday, July 20, 2000, the organization will be hosting its 18th 
Annual Dignitary Banquet at Hijos de Borinquen in East Chicago, 
Indiana. The annual celebration for Northwest Indiana's Puerto Rican 
community will culminate on July 22, 2000, with the traditional 
festival at East Chicago's Block Stadium, and the community parade on 
July 23, 2000.
  I especially would like to congratulate Ms. Betty Paine, President of 
the Puerto Rican Parade and Cultural Organization of Northwest Indiana, 
as well as all other members for their time-honored dedication to the 
preservation of their Puerto Rican heritage. Joining the celebration at 
the Dignitary Banquet will be Mayor Luis Oliver, of Lares, Puerto Rico, 
and Jose Luis Gonzalez, Director of the Tourism Board in Lares.
  The history of Puerto Rico is one of great pride and honor. In 1493 
Columbus found the island of Borinquen (the Amerindian name for Puerto 
Rico) to be inhabited by Taino Indians, a subgroup of the Arawak 
thought to have arrived on the island 1,000 years before from South 
America. The Taino Indians who greeted Columbus showed him gold nuggets 
in the river and told him to take all he wanted. The town founded near 
this river was named Puerto Rico, or ``rich port,'' with the island 
being named ``San Juan Bautista,'' for St. John the Baptist. It was not 
until later that the two names were switched.
  The rich culture of the people of Puerto Rico evolved progressively 
over the centuries. Immigrants brought influences from Europe, Africa, 
Asia, and other Caribbean islands to Puerto Rico, and blended them to 
create a unique

[[Page E1282]]

society found nowhere else. Today, more than 2 million Puerto Ricans 
have migrated to the United States. The values and traditions that were 
brought with them have strengthened American society, and our country 
has been enriched with the infusion of Puerto Rican culture, folklore, 
hospitality, and way of life.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending the Puerto Rican Parade and Cultural Organization of 
Northwest Indiana for its commitment to remembering Puerto Rican 
heritage, as well as its commitment to improving the quality of life 
for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District. May this 
year's cultural celebration be a joyous one.

                          ____________________