[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11793]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE 2005 NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to the 47th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, which will 
be held on June 12, 2005 in New York City. This parade, which 
celebrates the heritage of the Puerto Rican people, is one of the 
largest outdoor events in the United States.
  The first New York Puerto Rican Day parade, held on Sunday, April 12, 
1958 in ``El Barrio'' in Manhattan was a wonderful event presented in 
the heart of the city's Puerto Rican community. In 1995, the 
overwhelming success of the parade prompted organizers to increase its 
size, and transform it into a national affair now known as the National 
Puerto Rican Day Parade. This magnificent New York institution now 
includes participation from delegates representing thirty one states, 
including Alaska and Hawaii and attracts over 3 million parade goers 
every year.
  The great success that this parade has enjoyed over the years is a 
result of the tireless work of many individuals from all walks of 
life--who are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Puerto Rican 
heritage and culture. Leading this effort is the National Puerto Rican 
Day Parade, Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1995 with the 
mission of increasing the self awareness and pride of the Puerto Rican 
people in order to promote economic development, education, cultural 
recognition, and advancement.
  The Parade up New York's Fifth Avenue, while certainly the most 
visible aspect of the celebration of the Puerto Rican people, is not 
the only event associated with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, 
Inc.'s activities. More than 10,000 people each year attend a variety 
of award ceremonies, banquets and cultural events which not only help 
to highlight but also strengthen the special relationship shared by 
Puerto Ricans and the City of New York. Over the years, the two have 
developed a symbiotic relationship--Puerto Ricans sharing a vibrant and 
beautiful culture and helping to turn New York into a bilingual city 
and the City of New York helping Puerto Ricans to flourish 
economically, politically and culturally. The annual parade captures 
the spirit of this special relationship and celebrates its success.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Puerto Rican, a New Yorker, and a Member of 
Congress, it is an honor to participate in this national event every 
year in which thousands of individuals march along Fifth Avenue in 
celebration. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is a communal 
cultural treasure, national in scope and impact, and one that unites 
all New Yorkers. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
the Puerto Rican people and to all who have worked to ensure that the 
upcoming parade is a success.

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