Assembly Resolution No. 475 BY: M. of A. Ramos MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 6, 2019, as Salvadoran-American Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 6, 2019, as Salvadoran-American Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Salvadoran-American Day; and WHEREAS, The House of Representatives approved a bill on July 18, 2006, establishing August 6th as Salvadoran-American Day, making Salvadorans the first immigrants to have a federally declared day celebrating their identity and achievements in the United States; and WHEREAS, The aftermath of 40 years of internal political turmoil forced hundreds of thousands of individuals in the Republic of El Salvador to flee the country and seek peace and security in a new country, the United States; and WHEREAS, Salvadoran-Americans constitute a significantly growing population in the United States, with the majority living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and various other areas throughout the United States, including a large community in Brentwood, Central Islip, and Bay Shore, Long Island, the area in New York State which has the largest Salvadoran population; and WHEREAS, The history of the United States is a rich and enduring tapestry woven with the threads of many remarkable lives, cultures, and events, and the lives, work, and artistry of Salvadoran-Americans have added strength, vitality, and purpose to that tapestry; and WHEREAS, The maturing Salvadoran-American community continues to make great economic and cultural contributions to daily life in the United States; and WHEREAS, Many of these Salvadoran-Americans actively participate in the United States educational system, further promoting their sense of American pride within communities in this country; and WHEREAS, It is appropriate for Salvadoran-American families to have an established day to acknowledge the contribution and value of their culture to the United States; and WHEREAS, The strength of the Salvadoran-American culture can be preserved and passed on to future generations; and WHEREAS, Salvadoran-American families, communities, and generations that follow are committed to maintaining both Salvadoran and American cultures, while promoting cultural interchange; and WHEREAS, Free of prejudices and as proud men and women, Salvadoran-Americans participate and contribute to the social, educational, professional, and political systems of the United States; and WHEREAS, Salvadoran-American individuals, families, organizations, and communities in cities and States across the Nation wish to share the establishment of a nationally recognized and celebrated Salvadoran-American Day (El Dia del Salvadoreno), beginning on August 6, 2019, and to be celebrated by all generations that follow; and WHEREAS, On August 6, 1525, the official founding of Villa De San Salvador was declared in the Valle de las Hamacas (Valley of the Hammocks) where the indigenous ancestors of El Salvador fought historic battles against the submission and abuse of Spanish colonialism in order to preserve the life and liberty of the Cuscatleco population; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to take note of those citizens in this great Empire State who are of Salvadoran descent and who have unstintingly contributed to the educational, social, moral and economic values so beloved by the people of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 6, 2019, as Salvadoran-American Day in the State of New York, in recognition of all Salvadoran-Americans for their hard work, dedication, and contribution to the stability and well-being of the United States and the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.