2019 -- H 6192

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LC002728

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING JUNE 10, 2019, AS THE "DAY OF PORTUGAL" IN THE STATE OF

RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Serodio, Mattiello, Solomon, Noret, and Canario

     Date Introduced: June 06, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, June 10th marks the anniversary of the death of the revered Portuguese poet,

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Luis Vaz Camoes, in 1580 who is best known for his epic poem "Os Lusiadas," a tribute to the

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golden age of Portuguese maritime exploration and discoveries. The day is now celebrated around

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the world in Portuguese-speaking communities as the "Day of Portugal, Camoes and the

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Portuguese Communities"; 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, their families, and generations to

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come; and

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     WHEREAS, Thousands sought refuge in Rhode Island in the mid-20th century to escape

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the devastation of the Capelinhos volcano on the Azorean island of Faial, opening the door for

 

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legal immigration for all Portuguese and many other ethnicities; and

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     WHEREAS, The number of Rhode Islanders who claim Portuguese ancestry is more than

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10% of the state's population, the largest percentage of any state in the nation with the majority

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making their homes in the Providence, Kent and Bristol Counties; and

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     WHEREAS, The 1st Congressional District of Rhode Island claims the highest

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Portuguese population of any Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives; 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 distinguishing themselves in leadership roles in such fields as the judiciary, law

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enforcement, medicine, education, social services, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and

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political participation; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

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Providence Plantations hereby thanks Rhode Island's Portuguese Community for the many

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

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     RESOLVED, That this House hereby recognizes June 10, 2019, as the "Day of Portugal"

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in the State of Rhode Island. We join in the celebration of the 42nd consecutive celebration of this

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auspicious occasion; and be it further

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

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island "Day of Portugal" Committee,

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and the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence.

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