2019 -- S 0957

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LC002706

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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S E N A T 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: Senators de la Cruz, Ruggerio, Satchell, Conley, and Cano

     Date Introduced: June 06, 2019

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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

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

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

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

Portuguese Communities"; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

come; and

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

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

legal immigration for all Portuguese and many other ethnicities; and

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

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

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

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

Portuguese population of any Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives; and

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

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

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

community distinguishing themselves in leadership roles in such fields as the judiciary, law

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

political participation; now, therefore be it

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

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

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

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

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

auspicious occasion; 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 Rhode Island "Day of Portugal" Committee,

and the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence.

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