[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21148-21149]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   IN HONOR OF NEW JERSEY'S PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE STATEWIDE COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Jersey's 
Puerto Rican Heritage Statewide Committee for their efforts to 
stimulate cultural pride and diversity in Newark, New Jersey.
  The Puerto Rican Heritage Statewide Committee is dedicated to 
strengthening and enhancing the quality of life for many Hispanic

[[Page 21149]]

residents in the State of New Jersey. From raising money for 
scholarships to renovating community centers such as La Casa Puerto 
Rico Cultural Center, the PRHSC has continued to be a driving force to 
improve the community.
  Armed with a vision to promote Puerto Rican culture through pride and 
unity, the PRHSC began its annual parade 37 years ago in Newark. 
Starting out with just a few local organizations marching down Broad 
Street in Newark, the parade has grown to more than 100 groups marching 
in a two hour televised event. In addition, a feast, ``Fiestas 
Patronales,'' the largest of its kind attracting more than 150,000 
people, was added to the festivities seven years ago at Branch Brook 
Park.
  Through the years, the parade has expanded the scope to applaud the 
achievements of other Hispanic communities such as Dominicans, 
Ecuadorians, Colombians, Peruvians, and Uruguayans.
  In addition, the parade and PRHSC have helped to create a forum in 
which the Hispanic community and the business community can join and 
work together to spread the message of unity. As we approach the 21st 
Century, PRHSC has spearheaded the effort to encourage businesses and 
leaders to invest in, and appeal to, the still largely untapped 
Hispanic community.
  For its commitment to the Puerto Rican and larger Hispanic 
communities, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating New 
Jersey's Puerto Rican Heritage Statewide Committee. Its tireless 
efforts have truly made a difference and continue to better the people 
of the State.

                          ____________________