Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 28, 2026, as Peruvian Independence Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with recognizing the contributions of Peruvian Americans to this great state

Assembly Resolution No. 1319

BY: M. of A. Rules (Ra)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        July 28, 2026, as Peruvian Independence Day  in  the
        State  of  New York, in conjunction with recognizing
        the contributions  of  Peruvian  Americans  to  this
        great state

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense  of  this Legislative Body to celebrate
historical events which exemplify the spirit  and  struggle  of  peoples
throughout  the  world  to  achieve  independence  and live in peace and
freedom; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 28, 2026, as Peruvian
Independence  Day  in  the  State  of  New  York,  in  conjunction  with
recognizing the contributions of Peruvian Americans to this great state;
and

  WHEREAS,  Peruvian  Independence  Day is celebrated annually on July
28th,  marking  a  pivotal  moment  in  Peru's  history,  emerging  from
centuries of Spanish colonization that began in the 16th century; and

  WHEREAS,  The  struggle for independence was part of a broader South
American movement, with influential leaders like Jose de San Martin  and
Simon  Bolivar  playing  critical  roles  in  the fight against colonial
oppression; and

  WHEREAS, Peru declared independence in 1821,  and  it  took  several
more  years  of  conflict to fully achieve sovereignty, culminating in a
decisive victory by the mid-1820s; and

  WHEREAS, Peru is a country of diverse heritage which includes a  mix
of  Indigenous and Spanish ancestry; this important day is a celebration
of national pride and the diverse  cultural  identity  of  the  nation's
populous; and

  WHEREAS,  Festivities celebrating the independence of Peru typically
include  parades,  cultural  events,  and  various  public  celebrations
throughout the country, particularly in the capital, Lima; and

  WHEREAS,  In  New  York  State,  the  Peruvian  American  Chamber of
Commerce  of  Long  Island  (PACCLI)  and  other  similar  organizations
coordinate official celebrations of Peru's Independence Day and cultural
activities  in  collaboration  with  local  Hispanic affairs offices and
municipal authorities; and

  WHEREAS, There are  approximately  85,000  individuals  of  Peruvian
origin  living in the State of New York, accounting for about 11% of the
Peruvian population of the United States;  around  75%  of  the  state's
population of Peruvians reside in New York City and Long Island; and

  WHEREAS,  The  Empire  State  is  home to numerous Peruvian cultural
events, such as the International Peruvian  Parade,  Peru  Mucho  Gusto,

SUMAQ  Peruvian  Food  Festival,  Peru  To The World Expo, and countless
others which contribute richly  to  the  cultural  education,  community
integration, and the strengthening of multiculturalism in New York; and

  WHEREAS,  There  are  approximately  100 Peruvian restaurants in New
York City  alone,  including  traditional  cuisine,  Chifa,  and  Nikkei
styles;   these   establishments  generate  local  employment,  economic
activity, and international recognition for both the city and the State;
and

  WHEREAS, Peruvians  residing  in  New  York  have  made  significant
contributions  to the visual arts and exhibitions in prestigious museums
(including the MoMA), film festivals in New York City and  Long  Island,
national  and  international  media outlets, and cultural and linguistic
initiatives that promote diversity and Indigenous  heritage  among  many
other fields; and

  WHEREAS,  This  holiday  not only honors the historical struggle for
freedom but also celebrates the unity and  resilience  of  the  Peruvian
people; and

  WHEREAS,  It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
great contributions which  Peruvians  have  brought  to  our  State  and
Nation,  and  to  wish  them  all  continued success in their purposeful
endeavors; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 28, 2026, as Peruvian
Independence  Day  in  the  State  of  New  York,  in  conjunction  with
recognizing the contributions of Peruvian Americans to this great state;
and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.