[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14430-14431]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE BRONX DOMINICAN PARADE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2006

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise and pay 
tribute to the seventeenth annual Bronx Dominican Parade and Festival 
which will take place Sunday, July 16, 2006. This famed event is 
eagerly anticipated by both Dominicans and the greater Bronx community 
every year. It is a wonderful celebration of the spirit and richness of 
Dominican culture.
  Under the leadership of Felipe Febles and Rosa Ayala, the Bronx 
Dominican Parade, Inc., (La Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx) has 
grown into an important institution that increases the self awareness 
and pride of the Dominican people in order to promote economic 
development, education and cultural recognition.

[[Page 14431]]

  As the second largest Latino community in New York City, Dominicans 
have made valuable contributions to the city, as well as to the entire 
nation. Although the highest concentration of Dominican people live in 
Washington Heights, a significant number have enriched the Bronx with 
their unique culture and spirit. Dominican culture is characterized by, 
among other things, diverse multi-culturalism, strong family values, 
distinctive art, rhythmic and soulful music and unique cuisine. I am 
grateful that so many Dominicans have made the Bronx their home.
  Mr. Speaker, the roots of Dominican New Yorkers lie in a country with 
a rich history and arresting landscapes bound by water. The Dominican 
Republic is home to a number of people from various heritages. As a 
result, the culture is charged with strong African, Taino and European 
influences. One visit to the Dominican Republic will put to rest any 
questions one might have as to why Dominicans in America retain such a 
strong sense of pride in their homeland and never stop missing it.
  The achievements and contributions made by the Dominican community 
has spanned the realms of politics, science, the Armed Forces, 
literature, public service, and the arts, undoubtedly making them an 
integral part of American society. The Bronx Dominican Parade and 
Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate the culture, history, and 
bright future of the Dominican people.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring the 
2006 Bronx Dominican Parade and Festival.

                          ____________________