Release #321-97

Contact: Colleen Roche or Nydia Negron (212) 788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI PROCLAIMS "PUERTO RICAN WEEK" IN NEW YORK CITY

Salutes Outstanding Contributions of Puerto Ricans to City and Nation 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. At a City Hall reception, the Mayor presented a proclamation to National Puerto Rican Parade President Ramon Velez declaring June 1st through June 8th as Puerto Rican Week in New York City.

"Once again, I am delighted to welcome the Puerto Rican Parade Committee and the delegation of Mayors and other Puerto Ricans who have traveled from all parts of the country to participate in next Sunday's parade," said Mayor Giuliani. "As the City with the largest Puerto Rican population in the United States, New York appreciates the outstanding contributions the Puerto Rican people have made to our City and the nation.

"The success of this national parade echoes the story of the achievements of the Puerto Rican community. Puerto Ricans have risen to levels of prestige and prominence from business to politics to the arts. This annual event is an opportunity for all New Yorkers of all backgrounds to share in Puerto Rican culture and traditions."

Deputy Mayor Segarra said, "The growth of this annual event is a testament to the increasing strength of the Puerto Rican community. I take great pride in congratulating the parade organizers and saluting their initiative to dedicate this year's event to our youth--the leaders of the future."

Ramon Velez said, "I am honored to lead the group of men and women who have worked diligently so that this annual celebration can continue to grow and prosper. Once again, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade will display our cultural pride, our energy and hope for future generations. This year, we honor three Puerto Ricans who have done much to promote Puerto Ricans throughout the world: Dr. Antonia Novello, former Surgeon General of the United States; Tito Puente, who for 50 years has been the troubadour of our people; and, on the 25th anniversary of his untimely death, the great Puerto Rican sports figure and humanitarian, Roberto Clemente. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Mayor Giuliani for his steadfast support of the Parade's objectives."

The 1997 National Parade will take place next Sunday, June 8th, along Fifth Avenue with almost 100,000 marchers, beautiful floats and more than 2.7 million spectators.

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