H 7827

2026 -- H 7827
========
LC003508
========
  STATE  OF  RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  HOUSE RESOLUTION
  COMMEMORATING THE 182ND ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
  INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2026
  Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Batista, Felix, Shekarchi, Blazejewski,
  Chippendale, Slater, Alzate, Furtado, and Ajello
  Date Introduced: February 26, 2026
  Referred To: House read and passed
1WHEREAS, It is the tradition and practice of this legislative body to commemorate
2 historical events which exemplify the diversity, spirit, and struggle of the people in Rhode Island
3 and throughout the world that have achieved independence and live in peace and freedom; and
4WHEREAS, The people of the Dominican Republic acquired their independence from
5 Spain on February 27, 1844; and
6WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious occasion is celebrated and provides an
7 opportunity for all people to reflect upon the rich history of the Dominican Republic and the
8 many contributions of Latin Americans to our country as well as the world; and
9WHEREAS, February 27th has been designated as Dominican Independence Day in the
10 State of Rhode Island; and
11WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great contributions
12 which Dominicans have brought to our State and our nation; and
13WHEREAS, On February 27th, the people of the Dominican Republic, and all free
14 people, will celebrate 182 years of Dominican Independence; and
15WHEREAS, The seat of the original capital of the Spanish New World, the Dominican
16 Republic, proclaims a host of New World firsts: the first permanent European settlement, the first
17 university, the first church, the first cathedral, the first mass, and the first royal court; and
18WHEREAS, On February 27, 1844, the Declaration of Independence was written by Juan
19 Pablo Duarte, Franscisco del Rosaro Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella; and
1WHEREAS, The Dominican Republic's record for free and fair elections sets an example
2 for emerging democracies the world over; and
3WHEREAS, Today, the Dominican Republic has a close relationship with the United
4 States and has been supportive of many U.S. initiatives. The Dominican Republic has accredited
5 diplomatic missions in most of the countries in the Western Hemisphere and in principal
6 European capitals, and belongs to many world organizations, including the United Nations, the
7 World Bank, the International Labor Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the
8 International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Inter-American Development Bank; and
9WHEREAS, The approximately 2.7 million Dominicans now residing in the United
10 States are an important element in the special relationship between the two countries. Rhode
11 Island's Dominicans number around 54,000 and are among the State's smaller ethnic groups but
12 the community imparts a rich history and vitality through their presence in our Ocean State. The
13 strong civic participation and business ethic within Rhode Island's Dominican community, and
14 local businesses owned by Dominican immigrants, are evidenced by their myriad contributions,
15 greatly adding to the economic vitality of our State; and
16WHEREAS, The Dominican-American community plays another essential role through
17 their representation in the United States Armed Services. Many Dominican-Americans have made
18 the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending America's liberty, security, and freedoms; now,
19 therefore be it
20RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
21 commemorates the 182nd Anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27,
22 2026, and proudly recognizes the significant contributions that Dominicans have made to the
23 State of Rhode Island and the United States; and be it further
24RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
25 transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to His Excellency President Luis Rodolfo
26 Abinader Corona, Her Excellency Vice President Raquel Peña Rodriguez de Antuña, and to the
27 Dominican-American Association.
========
LC003508
========
  LC003508 - Page 2 of 2