2023 -- H 6503
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LC003118
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
____________
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING JUNE 10, 2023, AS THE "DAY OF PORTUGAL" IN THE STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By: Representatives Noret, Solomon, Donovan, Fellela, Craven,
Blazejewski, Shekarchi, Lima, Chippendale, and Hull
Date Introduced: June 08, 2023
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, June 10
th
marks the anniversary of the death, in 1580, of the revered 1
Portuguese poet, Luis Vaz Camoes, who is best known for his epic poem "Os Lusiadas," a tribute 2
to the golden age of Portuguese maritime exploration and discoveries. The day is now celebrated 3
around the world in Portuguese-speaking communities as the "Day of Portugal, Camoes and the 4
Portuguese Communities"; and 5
WHEREAS, Rhode Island's large and significant Portuguese population has made 6
substantial contributions to all aspects of the State's history and rich cultural diversity; and 7
WHEREAS, Between 1830 and 1860, whaling ships from Bristol, Newport, New 8
Bedford, and Fall River traveled to the Azores where they often took on Portuguese sailors. Many 9
of these sailors traveled back to New England, settling in Providence, Pawtucket, and East 10
Providence. They frequently took on work in the textile mills, which were abundant in the area at 11
the time, while others became farmers in Little Compton and Portsmouth; and 12
WHEREAS, The main goal for the Portuguese people coming to Rhode Island and the 13
United States was economic betterment, but, like the Irish and Italians, the Portuguese people all 14
too often suffered discrimination and exploitation in employment. Through perseverance and an 15
indomitable work ethic, they carved a future for themselves, their families, and generations to 16
come; and 17
WHEREAS, Thousands sought refuge in Rhode Island in the mid-20
th
century to escape 18
the devastation of the Capelinhos volcano on the Azorean island of Faial, opening the door for 19
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legal immigration for all Portuguese and many other ethnicities; and 1
WHEREAS, The number of Rhode Islanders who claim Portuguese ancestry is nearly 9 2
percent of the State's population, the densest population of any state in the nation with the 3
majority making their homes in Providence, Newport and Bristol counties; and 4
WHEREAS, The 1
st
Congressional District of Rhode Island has one of the highest 5
Portuguese populations of any Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives; and 6
WHEREAS, The Portuguese American population in Rhode Island is an active and vital 7
part of our State. They have enriched and delighted our palates with fine restaurants that serve 8
traditional Portuguese dishes, and they actively contribute to and participate in all areas of the 9
community distinguishing themselves in leadership roles in such fields as the judiciary, law 10
enforcement, medicine, education, social services, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and 11
political participation; now, therefore be it 12
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 13
thanks Rhode Island's Portuguese community for the many contributions they have generously 14
made to the enrichment of this State; and be it further 15
RESOLVED, That this House hereby recognizes June 10, 2023, as the "Day of Portugal" 16
in the State of Rhode Island and joins in the celebration of the 46
th
consecutive celebration of this 17
auspicious occasion; and be it further 18
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 19
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island "Day of Portugal" Committee, 20
and the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence. 21
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LC003118
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