[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1531]
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, August 2, 2001

  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 thirteenth 
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, August 5, 
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 direction of the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee, 
Inc., 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 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 decorate the 
festival.
  As one who has participated in the parade in the past, I can attest 
to the excitement it generates as it brings the entire City together. 
It is a celebration and an affirmation of life. It is 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 community in the Bronx.
  The event will feature a wide variety of entertainment for all age 
groups. The Parade will end with live music, Puerto Rican food, crafts, 
and other entertainment. It is expected that this year's parade will 
surpass last year's number of visitors.
  In addition to the parade, the many organizers have provided 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 great enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to 
join me in paying tribute to this wonderful celebration of Puerto Rican 
culture, which has brought so much pride to the Bronx community.

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