Press Release Archives #222-99- MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS ANNUAL NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE RECEPTION AT GRACIE MANSION

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, June 10, 1999

Release # 222-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Samantha I. Lugo (212) 788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS ANNUAL NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE RECEPTION AT GRACIE MANSION

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today was joined by Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Puerto Ricans to the City of New York, as part of the events leading up to the National Puerto Rican Parade day in New York.

"I am pleased to once again welcome the National Puerto Rican Parade Committee, the delegation of Puerto Rican Mayors, and the Puerto Rican Community to Gracie Mansion. Today and throughout the week, all New Yorkers honor the heritage, culture and history of New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent," the Mayor said.

"The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is a New York tradition that unites New Yorkers as it celebrates the outstanding contributions of the Puerto Rican people to the history of New York City, as well as to our City's diversity. I salute the Puerto Rican Community for another year of accomplishment and growth," the Mayor added.

This year marks the 4th Anniversary of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, started in 1995. It also marks the 41st Anniversary of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City, which began in 1958.

Deputy Mayor Segarra said, "The Parade - or El Desfile, as we proudly call it - has come to represent the enduring strength and vitality of nuestra gente. It is a symbol that we have been, and will always be, an integral part of our City's culture, and enduring prosperity."

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is dedicated this year to:

The 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, US Army - Incorporated in 1959 into the Puerto Rico National Guard, this unit's history goes back to 1899. It is one of the most honored units in United States Military History, with several Congressional Medal of Honor and Silver Star recipients. The regiment served with distinction in World War II and the Korean War.
Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa - Renown Puerto Rican educator of the 19th Century.
Felipe "La Voz" Rodriguez - A highly popular and well-known singer of ballads and popular melodies, Felipe Rodriguez became known as "The Voice" of Puerto Rico. His musical career spanned over four decades, and he was widely acknowledged to represent the heart and soul of Puerto Rico. He died on May 26, 1999, in his native Puerto Rico. In his honor, the Mayor will name E. 44th Street between Madison Avenue and Sixth Avenue as "Felipe "La Voz" Rodriguez Way" for the next 30 days. The Mayor also proclaimed June 10th, Felipe "La Voz" Rodríguez Day in New York City. His widow, Carmen Muñoz Espada, was present at the ceremony.

Joining the Mayor were National Puerto Rican Day Parade President, Ramón S. Vélez; New York State Senator Olga Mendez; New York State Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo; National Puerto Rican Parade Executive Director Rafael Morales; National Puerto Rican Parade Vice-President Maria Roman; the 1999 National Puerto Rican Parade Queen Janice Herrera; the President of Association of Mayors of Puerto Rico William Miranda Marin; the President of the Federation of Mayors of Puerto Rico Hector O'Neill; Goya Foods President/CEO Joseph A. Unanue; Goya Foods Vice President/General Manager Andy Unanue; Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of New York Vice President Don Thomas, Senior; Fleet Bank Vice President Spencer Brown; CUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Herman Badillo; the Puerto Rico National Guard Color Guard; and distinguished members of the Puerto Rican community.

The 1999 National Parade will take place on Sunday, June 13th, along Fifth Avenue, with almost 100,000 marchers and nearly 3 million spectators.

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