HR0462 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0462 LRB100 13012 MST 27228 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is in keeping with time-honored traditions to recognize and applaud events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity which represents and strengthens the fabric of the communities of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Puerto Rican People's Parade affirms the culture, identity, and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and exemplifies Puerto Rican/Latin/a history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an indomitable people; and

WHEREAS, The 39th Puerto Rican People's Parade will be held on June 17, 2017 to recognize the contributions of Puerto Rican culture, as well as the thousands of Puerto Ricans around the State and nation; and

WHEREAS, Established to develop national awareness and greater appreciation of Puerto Rican culture, the Puerto Rican People's Parade is a tribute to the unique Puerto Rican heritage and ethnicity and the role its people play in American society; and

WHEREAS, This year the Parade is dedicated to "El Retorno Del Patriota a Su Barrio, Celebrando 50 Anos Forjando Comunidad y Forjando Patria"; and

WHEREAS, On June 11, 2017, the National Puerto Rican Parade in New York City will honor Patriot Oscar Lopez Rivera with the Hero Award; and

WHEREAS, Oscar Lopez Rivera, Puerto Rico's National Hero, will finally walk among the community; as grand marshal for this year's parade, he was a pioneer, along with Don Omar as honored special guest, and Andy Montanez; and

WHEREAS, Oscar Lopez Rivera represents a symbol of hope to Puerto Ricans everywhere in the world, inclusive of the departed Jonathan Rivera Lizardi, Oscar Lopez Rivera's biggest fan; and

WHEREAS, The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Inc., through a series of cultural events, including musical productions, plays and art exhibits throughout the United States, and culminating in the Puerto Rican People's Parade on June 17, 2017, champions the study, improvement, and advancement of Puerto Rican culture and the arts; and

WHEREAS, The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Inc. is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and encouraging a true understanding and greater appreciation of the spirit and largess of the Puerto Rican people; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize with appreciation and anticipation, the worthy purpose and promising vision of the 39th Puerto Rican People's Parade which fosters ethnic pride and enhances the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Jose E. Lopez, Executive Director of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center Juan Antonio Corretjer, Inc.