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.