[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 100 (Thursday, July 7, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H4685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING CAPE VERDEAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
rich history of Cape Verde as we mark Cape Verdean Independence Day.
  This week, we honor the people of Cape Verde and those individuals of 
proud Cape Verdean descent here in America and around the world who are 
celebrating 35 years of independence. In doing so, we honor the many 
milestones and important Cape Verdean leaders like Amilcar Cabral, who 
fought for the liberation of Cape Verde. We also honor the lives, work, 
and rich history of Cape Verdean Americans throughout our country and 
particularly in my home State of Rhode Island.
  Cape Verdeans have made significant contributions in the areas of art 
and culture, business, and public service. Cape Verdeans have brought 
jag to local restaurants and added zuca to the music enjoyed by our 
community.
  Rhode Islanders of Cape Verdean descent, like speaker of the house 
Gordon Fox, have been prominent leaders in Rhode Island politics.
  I would also like to take a moment to pay tribute to the late George 
Lima. Mr. Lima served during World War II as a Tuskegee airman, the 
first group of black fighter and bomber pilots in the history of what 
was then the Army Air Forces. He then served our State honorably as a 
State representative and as head of the Rhode Island NAACP.
  Cape Verdeans are generous, skilled, proud, caring members of our 
community, and I am honored to celebrate Cape Verdean independence with 
them this week.

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