2012 -- S 3063

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LC02829

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING JUNE 10, 2012, AS THE "DAY OF PORTUGAL" IN THE STATE OF

RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators DaPonte, Moura, Paiva Weed, DeVall, and Crowley

     Date Introduced: June 11, 2012

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, June 10th marks the anniversary of the death of Luis Camoes, a gifted and

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renowned Portuguese poet. The day is now celebrated around the world as the "National Day of

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Portugal"; and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's large and significant Portuguese population has made

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substantial contributions to all aspects of the state's history and rich cultural diversity; and

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     WHEREAS, Between 1830 and 1860, whaling ships from Bristol, Newport, New

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Bedford, and Fall River traveled to the Azores where they often took on Portuguese sailors. Many

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of these sailors traveled back to New England, settling in Providence, Pawtucket, and East

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Providence. They frequently took on work in the textile mills, which were abundant in the area at

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the time, while others became farmers in Little Compton and Portsmouth; and

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     WHEREAS, The main goal for the Portuguese people coming to Rhode Island and the

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United States was economic betterment, but, like the Irish and Italians, the Portuguese people all

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too often suffered discrimination and exploitation in employment. Through perseverance and an

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indomitable work ethic, they carved a future for themselves and their families; and

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     WHEREAS, The number of Portuguese people who currently reside in Rhode Island is

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around 100,000, with the majority making their homes in Providence County, as well as Bristol

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and Newport Counties; and

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     WHEREAS, The Portuguese American population in Rhode Island is an active and vital

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part of our state. They have enriched and delighted our palates with fine restaurants that serve

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traditional Portuguese dishes, and they actively contribute to and participate in all areas of the

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community through various businesses, artistic contributions, volunteerism, politics, and

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patriotism; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby thanks Rhode Island's Portuguese Community for the many contributions it has

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generously made to the enrichment of this state; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby recognizes June 10, 2012, as the "Day of Portugal"

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in the State of Rhode Island. We join in the celebration of the 35th anniversary of this auspicious

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occasion; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island "Day of Portugal" Committee.

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LC02829

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