2017 -- S 0359

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE 173RD ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2017

     Introduced By: Senators Quezada, Paiva Weed, Satchell, Goodwin, and Algiere

     Date Introduced: February 16, 2017

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is the tradition and practice of this legislative body to commemorate

historical events which exemplify the diversity, spirit, and struggle of the people in Rhode Island

and throughout the world that have achieved independence and live in peace and freedom; and

     WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired their independence from

Spain on February 27, 1844; and

     WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious occasion is celebrated and provides an

opportunity for all people to reflect upon the rich history of the Dominican Republic and the

many contributions of Latin Americans to our country as well as the world; and

     WHEREAS, February 27th has been designated as Dominican Independence Day in the

State of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great contributions

which Dominicans have brought to our state and our nation; and

     WHEREAS, On February 27th, the people of the Dominican Republic, and all free

people, will celebrate 173 years of Dominican Independence; and

      WHEREAS, The seat of the original capital of the Spanish New World, the Dominican

Republic, proclaims a host of American firsts: the first permanent European settlement, the first

university, the first church, the first cathedral, the first mass, and the first royal court; and

     WHEREAS, On February 27, 1844, the Declaration of Independence was written by Juan

Pablo Duarte, Franscisco del Rosaro Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella; and

     WHEREAS, The Dominican Republic's record for free and fair elections sets an example

for emerging democracies the world over; and

     WHEREAS, Today, the Dominican Republic has a close relationship with the United

States and has been supportive of many U.S. initiatives. The Dominican Republic has accredited

diplomatic missions in most of the countries in the Western Hemisphere and in principal

European capitals, and belongs to many world organizations, including the United Nations, the

World Bank, the International Labor Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the

International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Inter-American Development Bank; and

     WHEREAS, The more than one and a half million Dominicans now residing in the

United States are an important element in the special relationship between the two countries.

Rhode Island's Dominicans number among the state's smaller ethnic groups but the community

imparts a rich history and vitality through their presence in our Ocean State. The strong civic

participation and business ethic within Rhode Island's Dominican community and local

businesses owned by Dominican immigrants are evidenced by their myriad contributions, greatly

adding to the economic vitality of our state; and

     WHEREAS, The Dominican-American community plays another essential role through

their representation in the United States Armed Services. Many Dominican-Americans have made

the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending America's liberty, security, and freedoms; now,

therefore be it

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

hereby commemorates the 173rd Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February

27, 2017, and proudly recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have made to the

State of Rhode Island and the United States; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the various Dominican organizations in the

State of Rhode Island and to His Excellency President Danilo Medina Sànchez, and Her

Excellency Vice President Margarita Maria Cedeño Lizardo.

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