[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING CAPE VERDEAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DAVID N. CICILLINE

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th 
anniversary of independence for the Republic of Cape Verde, or Cabo 
Verde, which was celebrated on Sunday, July 5th.
  Uninhabited until its discovery by the Portuguese in the 15th 
century, Cape Verde grew into a thriving center of commerce by the time 
it achieved independence in 1975.
  Today, the Republic of Cape Verde is a model democracy and friend to 
the United States.
  My home state of Rhode Island is home to one of the largest Cape 
Verdean-American populations in the United States--with nearly 20,000 
men, women, and children calling Rhode Island home today.
  It is a privilege to serve on their behalf and represent their 
interests before Congress today.
  I have also been fortunate to host Cape Verdean Prime Minister Jose 
Maria Neves for official visits to Rhode Island's First Congressional 
District and to discuss the work we can do together to strengthen the 
Cape Verdean community living in Rhode Island today.
  I extend my best wishes to the people of Cape Verde for a joyous 
celebration of the 40th anniversary of their independence this month.

                          ____________________