PRINTER'S NO. 348
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
70
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY ROZZI, MURT, MILLARD, KINSEY, DiGIROLAMO,
SCHWEYER, CALTAGIRONE, V. BROWN, SCHLOSSBERG, J. HARRIS,
READSHAW, D. COSTA, KORTZ, KAUFFMAN, HENNESSEY, NEILSON AND
HILL-EVANS, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 6, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 27, 2017, as "Dominican Republic
Independence Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, On February 27, 2017, the Dominican Republic
celebrates the anniversary of its independence from Haiti; and
WHEREAS, Previously, their shared island of Hispaniola had
been under Haitian rule for a little more than a couple of
decades, after centuries of colonialism, first by the Spanish
and then by the French; and
WHEREAS, Nationalist Juan Pablo Duarte helped organize the
war against the Haitian regime and is considered one of the
founding fathers; and
WHEREAS, "Dominican Republic Independence Day" coincides with
Carnival, which is celebrated the entire month of February with
parades, competitions and spirited events; and
WHEREAS, The country is an important partner in hemispheric
affairs due to its standing in the Caribbean as the largest
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
economy and second-largest country in terms of population and
land mass, its large bilateral trade with the United States and
its proximity to the United States and other smaller Caribbean
nations; and
WHEREAS, The family unit within Dominican society is
considered incredibly important and has formed the basis of
stability throughout all of the Dominican Republic's political
and economic upheaval; and
WHEREAS, Whenever possible the extended family, which usually
encompasses three generations, often lives within the same
vicinity; and
WHEREAS, Family loyalty is a deeply ingrained characteristic
of the Dominican people; and
WHEREAS, It is well known that the Dominican Republic is the
homeland of much of Major League Baseball, yet it is also known
for the likes of fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, actress Zoe
Saldana, Pulitzer prize-winning novelist Junot Diaz and
countless other accomplished individuals; and
WHEREAS, Dominicans are the fifth-largest population of
Hispanic origin living in the United States, accounting for 3.3%
of the United States Hispanic population, and Reading is host to
the 10th largest community of Dominicans in the United States;
and
WHEREAS, The Dominican-American community contributes to our
nation's economic vitality and culture, while maintaining deep
connection with their Dominican roots; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
February 27, 2017, as "Dominican Republic Independence Day" in
Pennsylvania.
20170HR0070PN0348 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29