2022 -- S 2271
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LC004652
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022
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SENATE RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE 178TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2022
Introduced By: Senators Quezada, Cano, Felag, de la Cruz, Burke, DiPalma, Lombardo,
Raptakis, and Acosta
Date Introduced: February 15, 2022
Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
1 WHEREAS, It is the tradition and practice of this legislative body to commemorate
2 historical events which exemplify the diversity, spirit, and struggle of the people in Rhode Island
3 and throughout the world that have achieved independence and live in peace and freedom; and
4 WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired their independence from
5 Spain on February 27, 1844; and
6 WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious occasion is celebrated and provides an
7 opportunity for all people to reflect upon the rich history of the Dominican Republic and the
8 many contributions of Latin Americans to our country as well as the world; and
9 WHEREAS, February 27th has been designated as Dominican Independence Day in the
10 State of Rhode Island; and
11 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great contributions
12 which Dominicans have brought to our state and our nation; and
13 WHEREAS, On February 27th, the people of the Dominican Republic, and all free
14 people, will celebrate 178 years of Dominican Independence; and
15 WHEREAS, The seat of the original capital of the Spanish New World, the Dominican
16 Republic, proclaims a host of American firsts: the first permanent European settlement, the first
17 university, the first church, the first cathedral, the first mass, and the first royal court; and
18 WHEREAS, On February 27, 1844, the Declaration of Independence was written by Juan
19 Pablo Duarte, Franscisco del Rosaro Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella; and
 1 WHEREAS, The Dominican Republic's record for free and fair elections sets an example
2 for emerging democracies the world over; and
3 WHEREAS, Today, the Dominican Republic has a close relationship with the United
4 States and has been supportive of many U.S. initiatives. The Dominican Republic has accredited
5 diplomatic missions in most of the countries in the Western Hemisphere and in principal
6 European capitals, and belongs to many world organizations, including the United Nations, the
7 World Bank, the International Labor Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the
8 International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Inter-American Development Bank; and
9 WHEREAS, The approximately 2.1 million Dominicans now residing in the United
10 States are an important element in the special relationship between the two countries. Rhode
11 Island's Dominicans number among the state's smaller ethnic groups but the community imparts a
12 rich history and vitality through their presence in our Ocean State. The strong civic participation
13 and business ethic within Rhode Island's Dominican community and local businesses owned by
14 Dominican immigrants are evidenced by their myriad contributions, greatly adding to the
15 economic vitality of our state; and
16 WHEREAS, The Dominican-American community plays another essential role through
17 their representation in the United States Armed Services. Many Dominican-Americans have made
18 the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending America's liberty, security, and freedoms; now,
19 therefore be it
20 RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates the
21 178th Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2022, and proudly
22 recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have made to the State of Rhode Island
23 and the United States; and be it further
24 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
25 transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to His Excellency President Luis Abinader, Her
26 Excellency Vice President Raquel Peña de Antuña, and to the Dominican-American Association.
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LC004652
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