Read the full stored bill text
S3349
2026 -- S 3349
========
LC006550
========
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
S E N A T 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:
Senators de la Cruz, Rogers, Lawson, Britto, Lauria, DiMario, Pearson,
Urso, Burke, and Sosnowski
Date Introduced:
June 04, 2026
Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
1
WHEREAS, Rhode Island takes immense pride in its cultural diversity and heritage, and
2
proudly recognizes the significant contributions of the Portuguese American community since
3
colonial times; and
4
WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Day of Portugal advocates for honoring all Portuguese
5
Americans by declaring June as Portuguese American Heritage Month in the State of Rhode
6
Island; and
7
WHEREAS, Portuguese Americans constitute a substantial and vibrant segment of
8
Rhode Island's population, with strong communities in cities including Bristol, East Providence,
9
Cumberland, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, Cranston, West Warwick, Newport, and
10
Providence; and
11
WHEREAS, The contributions of Portuguese Americans to Rhode Island are celebrated
12
annually through cultural events such as the Rhode Island Day of Portugal Heritage Festival and
13
various church and club festivals, showcasing Portuguese culture, music, dance, food, and
14
traditions; and
15
WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community has played a pivotal role in Rhode
16
Island's educational, political, and social advancement, with many leaders and citizens of
17
Portuguese descent serving in public service roles; and
18
WHEREAS, The month of June holds significance, as Portugal's National Day on June
19
10th commemorates the legacy of Luís de Camões, Portugal's national poet, whose works have
1
left an indelible mark on world literature; and
2
WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community in Rhode Island has demonstrated
3
resilience and hard work, and has contributed significantly to various industries such as whaling,
4
fishing, textiles, and jewelry, thereby shaping the State's economic landscape; and
5
WHEREAS, The historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence, which was
6
founded in 1886 by Portuguese immigrants, stands as the oldest continuously active Portuguese
7
American church in the United States, and symbolizes the enduring legacy of Portuguese
8
immigration to Rhode Island; and
9
WHEREAS, The contributions of early Portuguese Jews, such as Jacob Rodrigues
10
Rivera, Aaron Lopez, and Isaac Touro, are commemorated by landmarks like the historic Touro
11
Synagogue in Newport, which symbolizes religious freedom and tolerance in the United States;
12
and
13
WHEREAS, The Portuguese Discovery Monument at Brenton Point celebrates Portugal's
14
legacy of nautical innovation, honoring Prince Henry's establishment of a nautical school in
15
Sagres Point in 1419 and the development of the Caravel, a vessel that revolutionized maritime
16
exploration; now, therefore be it
17
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims and
18
acknowledges June of 2026 as “Portuguese American Heritage Month” in recognition of the
19
enduring contributions of Portuguese Americans to the State's cultural, economic, and social
20
fabric; and be it further
21
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
22
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Governor Daniel McKee, the Prime Minister of
23
Portugal, the President of Portugal, the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence, and the Rhode
24
Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization.
========
LC006550
========
LC006550 - Page 2 of 2