[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           DOMINICAN STATE PARADE AND FESTIVAL OF NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Dominican 
State Parade and Festival of New Jersey on the 25th Anniversary of 
their dedication in the promotion and celebration of Dominican culture 
and values. The Dominican State Parade and Festival of New Jersey has 
reached a milestone that few other organizations in our community can 
claim, and has made many valuable contributions throughout our great 
State of New Jersey over the past 25 years.
  Founded in 1989, the Dominican State Parade and Festival of New 
Jersey celebrated to commemorate the restoration of independence for 
the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Restoration War, a guerilla war 
between nationalists and Spain, who had recolonized the country 17 
years after the Dominican Republic had gained independence from Haiti, 
ended with Dominican victory and is celebrated in August.
  For the past 25 years, the Dominican State Parade and Festival of New 
Jersey has been a great event in the Dominican community in the State 
of New Jersey. It was initially celebrated in August in celebration of 
the restoration of independence but is now celebrated during the month 
of September.
  The Dominican State Parade and Festival of New Jersey had its 
beginnings with the election of a board of directors composed of men 
and women members of Club Dominicano Ramon Matias Mella and Casa 
Dominicana de Paterson. My good friend, Ms. Elsa Mantilla, was elected 
as the first president followed by 15 other individuals who have led 
this organization.
  Ms. Elsa Mantilla has returned to serve as president of the Dominican 
State Parade and Festival of New Jersey and has been serving since 
2004. For the past 10 years, Ms. Mantilla has devoted herself by taking 
on the management responsibility of the activity, with the help of 
previous presidents.
  The Dominican State Parade and Festival of New Jersey has served to 
project Dominican values in the State of New Jersey, which stand out in 
culture, sports, arts, folklore, as well as providing an opportunity 
for many youths to be recognized within the social and political 
environments of the state.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, all Dominican State 
Parade and Festival of New Jersey members, and all Dominican-Americans 
in New Jersey as they celebrate this amazing milestone. It is without 
question that all those affiliated with the Dominican State Parade and 
Festival of New Jersey have a great love for their heritage and their 
dedication and loyalty to project Dominican values in America is 
commendable.

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