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H8618
2026 -- H 8618
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LC006116
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING AND ACKNOWLEDGING JUNE OF 2026 AS "PORTUGUESE
AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Solomon, Noret, Fellela, Lima, Donovan, Hull,
Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, and Read
Date Introduced:
June 04, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island takes immense pride in its cultural diversity and heritage, and
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proudly recognizes the significant contributions of the Portuguese American community since
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colonial times; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Day of Portugal advocates for honoring all Portuguese
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Americans by declaring June as Portuguese American Heritage Month in the State of Rhode
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Island; and
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WHEREAS, Portuguese Americans constitute a substantial and vibrant segment of
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Rhode Island's population, with strong communities in cities including Bristol, East Providence,
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Cumberland, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, Cranston, West Warwick, Newport, and
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Providence; and
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WHEREAS, The contributions of Portuguese Americans to Rhode Island are celebrated
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annually through cultural events such as the Rhode Island Day of Portugal Heritage Festival and
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various church and club festivals, showcasing Portuguese culture, music, dance, food, and
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traditions; and
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WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community has played a pivotal role in Rhode
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Island's educational, political, and social advancement, with many leaders and citizens of
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Portuguese descent serving in public service roles; and
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WHEREAS, The month of June holds significance, as Portugal's National Day on June
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10th commemorates the legacy of Luís de Camões, Portugal's national poet, whose works have
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left an indelible mark on world literature; and
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WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community in Rhode Island has demonstrated
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resilience and hard work, and has contributed significantly to various industries such as whaling,
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fishing, textiles, and jewelry, thereby shaping the State's economic landscape; and
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WHEREAS, The historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence, which was
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founded in 1886 by Portuguese immigrants, stands as the oldest continuously active Portuguese
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American church in the United States, and symbolizes the enduring legacy of Portuguese
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immigration to Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, The contributions of early Portuguese Jews, such as Jacob Rodrigues
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Rivera, Aaron Lopez, and Isaac Touro, are commemorated by landmarks like the historic Touro
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Synagogue in Newport, which symbolizes religious freedom and tolerance in the United States;
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and
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WHEREAS, The Portuguese Discovery Monument at Brenton Point celebrates Portugal's
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legacy of nautical innovation, honoring Prince Henry's establishment of a nautical school in
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Sagres Point in 1419 and the development of the Caravel, a vessel that revolutionized maritime
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exploration; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims and acknowledges June of 2026 as “Portuguese American Heritage Month” in
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recognition of the enduring contributions of Portuguese Americans to the State's cultural,
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economic, and social fabric; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Governor Daniel McKee, the Prime Minister of
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Portugal, the President of Portugal, the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence, and the Rhode
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Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization.
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LC006116
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