[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 119 (Monday, August 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SUCCESS OF THE PARADA SAN JUAN BAUTISTA IN CAMDEN, NEW 
                                 JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 1, 2011

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the 
Puerto Rican community of Camden on the occasion of the Parada San Juan 
Bautista. The parade celebrates St. John the Baptist, the patron saint 
of Puerto Rico and the namesake of its capital, San Juan. This year's 
festivities occurred on Sunday, June 26th and marked the 54th 
anniversary of the annual parade.
  In 1957, parishioners from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church decided to 
organize a parade. Their goal was to promote a positive image of Puerto 
Rican heritage and to share their culture with the city of Camden. This 
first parade has since expanded into a month-long celebration. The 
current organizers' dual objectives are to strengthen ties within the 
Puerto Rican community and with the larger Camden community.
  The Parada San Juan Bautista holds special significance to the Puerto 
Rican community in Camden. It is an opportunity for them to share their 
culture with friends and enables them to pass on their traditions to 
younger generations. This year's parade travelled a mile-long route 
through the city and featured fire fighters from Camden and 
Philadelphia on their trucks. In addition to the parade, the day 
included traditional singing, dancing, and foods, all culminating in a 
concert on the beautiful Camden Waterfront. I thank the Puerto Rican 
community for all they do to enrich and support South Jersey, and I pay 
special recognition to this year's Parada San Juan Bautista.

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