Declare Portugal Day Statewide

June 10, 2017, as Portugal Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 10, 2017, as Portugal Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Every year on June 10th, Portuguese people celebrate the national holiday known as Dia de Portugal in their native tongue; the rest of the world recognizes this momentous occasion as Portugal Day; and WHEREAS, This date commemorates the death of Luis de Camoes, a significant figure in the history of Portugal; he is best known for his work on Lusiadas, the national epic poem of Portugal which celebrates the nation's successes and rich history; and WHEREAS, The Lusiadas depicts the achievements of the Portuguese in world explorations during the 16th Century; Portugal played an important role in the discovery of the new world during this century and their accomplishments have certainly put this European country on the map; and WHEREAS, A monument built in memory of Luis de Camoes stands proudly in one of the busiest streets of beautiful Lisbon, the country's capital city; it immortalizes the character of Portugal's national poet and is able to aptly represent the person he was; and WHEREAS, The first Portuguese came to the United States as early as the early 16th Century; and WHEREAS, More robust immigration from Portugal to the United States began in the early 19th Century when young men became employed in the New England whaling industry; and WHEREAS, Portugal has enriched our culture, with the Portuguese having deep roots and a long history of emigrating to and contributing to New York; and WHEREAS, There are approximately 147,000 people with Portuguese ancestry in New York; and WHEREAS, The Portuguese have greatly contributed to the advancement of the communities in New York, including Portuguese-American clubs, sporting clubs, and soccer teams; in addition, they have shaped our culture and cuisine, offering fish stores selling bacalhau (dried cod), and bakeries making pastel de nata (custard cakes); and WHEREAS, The first Portuguese Catholic church in New York State, the Portuguese Church of Our Lady of Fatima, was established on December 24,

1977, in Yonkers; and WHEREAS, Portugal was conquered by Spain in the year 1580; it is quite ironic that the nation lost its independence in the year that saw the death of Camoes; three generations and 60 years of Spanish rule after, Portugal regained its independence on December 1, 1640; and WHEREAS, Since then, the country's national day was established and subsequently celebrated on June 10th; it is because of uncertainties on Camoes' birth date that Portugal Day was established to commemorate the hero's death; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 10, 2017, as Portugal Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.