[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17893]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 REGOGNIZING THE LATINO COMMUNITY OF BUFFALO AND THE PUERTO RICAN DAY 
                                 PARADE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2006

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Buffalo's 
Latino community and the dynamic role they play in our region.
  On Saturday, September 9, 2006, I joined with the city of Buffalo to 
celebrate and enjoy the Fourth Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and the 
festivities that accompany it. I would like to acknowledge and thank 
this year's grand marshall, Andres Garcia.
  The theme of this year's parade and related festivities was ``United 
We Progress.'' This theme was chosen because it encompasses the 
attitude and spirit of this diverse and dynamic population and its 
interaction with the community of Buffalo as a whole.
  The Latino community in the county of Erie encompasses over 30,000 
people. Buffalo's Latino community is built upon peoples from all over 
Latin and South America. Their shared heritage has developed into a 
united force that has enabled them to positively impact our city for 
decades, and we expect, for decades to follow. The solidarity of the 
Latino community is a telling example of how by working together we 
accomplish good and great things.
  According to the 2000 Census over 20,000 Puerto Ricans call the city 
of Buffalo and surrounding areas their home. On this day, we celebrate 
the music, food, and history of their culture. A culture which has been 
shared with Western New Yorkers of all backgrounds, to the benefit of 
our community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and gratitude that I stand 
here today to recognize the Latino Community of Western New York. I am 
honored to join in the celebration of Buffalo's Latino history and 
culture.

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