2023 -- H 5822

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LC000409

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE 179TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2023

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Perez, Batista, Felix, Shekarchi, Blazejewski,
Giraldo, Chippendale, Kennedy, and Slater

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

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

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

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

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Spain on February 27, 1844; and

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

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

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

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

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State of Rhode Island; and

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

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

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

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people, will celebrate 179 years of Dominican Independence; and

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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for emerging democracies the world over; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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     WHEREAS, The approximately 2.4 million Dominicans now residing in the United

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

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Island's Dominicans number more than 55,000 and are among the state's smaller ethnic groups

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but the community imparts a rich history and vitality through their presence in our Ocean State.

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The strong civic participation and business ethic within Rhode Island's Dominican community

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and local businesses owned by Dominican immigrants are evidenced by their myriad

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contributions, greatly adding to the economic vitality of our state; and

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

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

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

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therefore be it

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

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commemorates the 179th Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27,

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2023, and proudly recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have made to the

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State of Rhode Island and the United States; 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 His Excellency President Luis Abinader, Her

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Excellency Vice President Raquel Peña de Antuña, and to the Dominican-American Association.

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