| R 359 |
| 2024 -- S 3142 Enacted 06/06/2024 |
| S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N |
| PROCLAIMING AND ACKNOWLEDGING JUNE OF 2024 AS "PORTUGUESE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND |
Introduced By: Senators de la Cruz, Rogers, Lawson, Britto, Lauria, Pearson, Bissaillon, Acosta, Felag, and F. Lombardi |
| Date Introduced: June 06, 2024 |
| WHEREAS, Rhode Island takes immense pride in its cultural diversity and heritage, and |
| proudly recognizes the significant contributions of the Portuguese American community since |
| colonial times; and |
| WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Day of Portugal advocates for honoring all Portuguese |
| Americans by declaring June as Portuguese American Heritage Month in the State of Rhode |
| Island; and |
| WHEREAS, Portuguese Americans constitute a substantial and vibrant segment of |
| Rhode Island's population, with strong communities in cities including Bristol, East Providence, |
| Cumberland, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, Cranston, West Warwick, Newport, and |
| Providence; and |
| WHEREAS, The contributions of Portuguese Americans to Rhode Island are celebrated |
| annually through cultural events such as the Rhode Island Day of Portugal Heritage Festival and |
| various church and club festivals, showcasing Portuguese culture, music, dance, food, and |
| traditions; and |
| WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community has played a pivotal role in Rhode |
| Island's educational, political, and social advancement, with many leaders and citizens of |
| Portuguese descent serving in public service roles; and |
| WHEREAS, The month of June holds significance, as Portugal's National Day on June |
| 10th commemorates the legacy of Luís de Camões, Portugal's national poet, whose works have |
| left an indelible mark on world literature; and |
| WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community in Rhode Island has demonstrated |
| resilience and hard work, and has contributed significantly to various industries such as whaling, |
| fishing, textiles, and jewelry, thereby shaping the State's economic landscape; and |
| WHEREAS, The historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence, which was |
| founded in 1886 by Portuguese immigrants, stands as the oldest continuously active Portuguese |
| American church in the United States, and symbolizes the enduring legacy of Portuguese |
| immigration to Rhode Island; and |
| WHEREAS, The contributions of early Portuguese Jews, such as Jacob Rodrigues |
| Rivera, Aaron Lopez, and Isaac Touro, are commemorated by landmarks like the historic Touro |
| Synagogue in Newport, which symbolizes religious freedom and tolerance in the United States; |
| and |
| WHEREAS, The Portuguese Discovery Monument at Brenton Point celebrates Portugal's |
| legacy of nautical innovation, honoring Prince Henry's establishment of a nautical school in |
| Sagres Point in 1419 and the development of the Caravel, a vessel that revolutionized maritime |
| exploration; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims and |
| acknowledges June of 2024 as “Portuguese American Heritage Month” in recognition of the |
| enduring contributions of Portuguese Americans to the State's cultural, economic, and social |
| fabric; 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 Governor Daniel McKee, the Prime Minister of |
| Portugal, the President of Portugal, the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence, and the Rhode |
| Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization. |
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| LC006203 |
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