IV 

113TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 85 

Recognizing the importance of acknowledging the contributions of DominicanAmericans to the United States. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

Mr. RANGEL (for himself, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. PIERLUISI, Mr. MORAN, Mr. 

CROWLEY, and Mr. CICILLINE) submitted the following resolution; which 

was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the importance of acknowledging the 

contributions of Dominican-Americans to the United States. 

Whereas since the initial wave of Dominican migration in the 

1960s to the most recent arrivals of today, Dominicans 

have worked hard to contribute to the national identity 

of the United States, educating people on their culture 

and traditions and enriching the quality of our shared futures; 

Whereas Dominican-Americans living on our shores have 

been motivated by the value of hard work and the bonds 

of family, the same pillars of our society that has built 

this great Nation for over 230 years; 

Whereas contributions from Dominican-Americans can be 

found in every facet of United States life, from the many 


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baseball stars in our national pastime, to fashion legend 

Oscar de la Renta, to the thousands of professionals that 

do battle as soldiers, doctors, lawyers, journalists, educators, and many other public servants; 

Whereas many of our hemisphere’s first institutions were established on the shores of the Dominican Republic, including the first cathedral and the oldest university; 

Whereas Dominicans are freedom loving people who first 

began their campaign for their independence in 1831 

under the leadership of Juan Pablo Duarte, who formed 

a secret society named The Trinity that led to a decisive 

uprising, which resulted in independence for the Dominican Republic; 

Whereas after the long and hard fought campaign for freedom, a ceremonial musket shot fired on February 27, 

1844, marked the Dominican Republic’s first official 

Independence Day; 

Whereas it is appropriate that the United States reserve the 

period between January 21 to February 27 to celebrate 

and honor Dominican heritage; 

Whereas it would be befitting to celebrate Dominican heritage 

beginning on January 21, The Day of the Procession of 

Altagracia, The Dominican Republic’s most important religious celebration; 

Whereas it would also be befitting to end the period of Dominican heritage on February 27, the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day; 

Whereas during the period between January 21 to February 

27 of each year, the Dominican people also celebrate Carnival, the biggest, most colorful event in the Dominican 

Republic where participants dress in colorful masks and 


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costumes, crack whips, and dance in the street as a symbol of the end of slavery and Spanish rule; 

Whereas it would give us the opportunity to acknowledge and 

applaud the economic, cultural, and social contributions 

Dominican-Americans have made to the United States; 

and 

Whereas it would also give us an opportunity to consider the 

many Dominican achievements, on the island and in the 

United States: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes the importance of acknowledging 

3 the contributions of Dominican-Americans to the 

4 United States; 

5 (2) supports the establishment of a national 

6 month of recognition for Dominican-Americans to 

7 honor the Dominican people and their contributions; 

8 and 

9 (3) urges the President to issue a proclamation 

10 calling on the people of the United States to observe 

11 a national month of recognition for Dominican12 Americans with appropriate ceremonies, programs, 

13 and activities. 

Æ 


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