14R-084

2014 -- S 2405

Enacted 02/27/14

 

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Introduced By: Senators Pichardo, Goodwin, Paiva Weed, Metts, and Crowley

Date Introduced: February 27, 2014

 

 


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 170 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 almost one and 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 170th Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2014, 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 Sanchez, Her Excellency Vice President Margarita Maria Cedeno Lizardo.


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LC005009
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