[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      DIA DE PORTUGAL RECOGNITION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2011

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues Mr. 
Costa of California, Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts, and Mr. Cicilline 
of Rhode Island to recognize Dia de Portugal, and reiterate the strong 
bond between the United States and Portugal. Celebrated around the 
world on June 10th, Dia de Portugal recognizes the magnificent heritage 
of the Portuguese people and their descendents.
  Contributing to the strong ties between the United States and 
Portugal are the sizable Portuguese communities in Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, New Jersey, California, and Hawaii. The latest census estimates 
that 1.3 million individuals living in the United States are of 
Portuguese ancestry. There are also about 20,000 Americans living in 
Portugal.
  A large percentage of Portuguese-Americans are descendents of 
immigrants who came from the Azores in the late 1950's after the 
islands experienced several volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, leaving 
many without homes. Thousands of victims were in need of aid, and the 
United States, in a gesture of international goodwill, allocated visas 
to the people of the Azores to find work and rebuild their lives in 
America. Since the Azores are known for their rich soil and temperate 
climate, many of the Portuguese refugees settled in regions of the 
United States that supported agriculture and dairy, such as the San 
Joaquin Valley in Central California. Many other Portuguese from the 
Azores settled in parts of the nation with burgeoning fishing 
industries, particularly in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York 
where they continued to diversify and contribute to the nation's 
economy and common heritage.
  Modern day Portugal has been an integral member of the European Union 
(EU) and is a strong proponent of European integration. While Portugal 
held the presidency of the EU Council for the third time during the 
latter half of 2007, Portugal oversaw the signing of a new EU reform 
treaty, staged EU summits with Russia, India, and China, and held a 
second EU-Africa summit. Furthermore, Portugal is a founding member of 
NATO and continues to be an active member of the alliance.
  Lastly, the defense relationship between the United States and 
Portugal is excellent, centered on the 1995 Agreement on Cooperation 
and Defense (ACD). For 50 years, Lajes Air Base in the Azores has 
played an important role in supporting U.S. military aircraft. Past 
missions have engaged in counter-terrorism and humanitarian efforts, 
including operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Portugal often emphasizes 
its support for strong European ties with the United States, 
particularly on defense and security issues. Portugal sees its role as 
host of NATO's ``Joint Command Lisbon,'' located near Lisbon, as an 
important sign of alliance interest in transatlantic security issues.
  Mr. Speaker, we celebrate all the accomplishments of the Portuguese 
and Portuguese Americans on this occasion, and wish everyone 
celebrating worldwide a joyous Dia de Portugal.

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