June-Portuguese-American Month
in the State of Massachusetts
A special Bill designating annually June as Portuguese American Month in Massachusetts has been approved unanimously, March 14, 2000, by the Massachusetts State Senate. The same Bill is going now to be submitted to the House of Representatives. If it passes it is expected that Governor Cellucci will sign it for its final approval.
Congratulation to the Legislators of Massachusetts! And Many thanks for their excellent leadership in patriotism. We hope this legislation -- making June Portuguese American Month --will serve as an example to the legislators of Rhode Island, the State, in United States, that has the highest PERCENTAGE of Portuguese-Americans and also the largest number of Representatives and Senators of Portuguese origin!
Honorable
Pamela P. Resor Massachusetts
Senator A
true friend of the Portuguese Americans
The Great News
The Press release I received from Melissa Shannon Legal Counsel to Senator Pamela Resor
"Resor, Cabral, and Walrath's Bill to Designate June
as Portuguese-American Month Passes the Senate."
For Immediate Release
Date: March 14, 2000
Contact: Melissa Shannon (617) 722-1120
Boston – The State Senate unanimously approved legislation to designate June as Portuguese American Month in Massachusetts. Senator Pam Resor (D-Acton), Representative Patricia Walrath (D-Stow), and Representative Antonio Cabral (D- New Bedford) co-sponsored this legislation with 25 of their colleagues. "In recognition of the significant contributions that Portuguese-Americans have made to Massachusetts and the United States, I am pleased that we have the opportunity to set aside a month to honor Portuguese heritage. Representative Walrath added that, "setting this month aside in honor of the Portuguese-American Community will serve to recognize the rich cultural heritage that Portuguese-Americans have brought to the Commonwealth and this country."
Joaquim Ferro, a Portuguese language and culture teacher at Hudson High School, first proposed the bill to Senator Resor and Representative Walrath, because he felt, "it was time to recognize the contributions that the Portuguese have made to Massachusetts." June was chosen as the month for this recognition because June 10th is celebrated around the world as the National Day of Portugal. The day marks the anniversary of the death of Luis Camões, the great Portuguese poet. It is celebrated as a day of cultural pride, love for the homeland, and as a recognition of Portugal’s viable place in history and its significant effect on the lands that its people have inhabited as a result of its rich seafaring and exploration tradition.
Portuguese Americans have significantly contributed to many aspects of life in the Commonwealth, including the whaling, fishing, shipping, and textile industries. The Portuguese have opened many restaurants and have actively given back to the community through volunteerism. Portuguese Americans make up the fourth largest ethnic group in Massachusetts.
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By Ms. Resor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2073) of Pamela P. Resor, Antonio F. D. Cabral, Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., Patricia A. Walrath and other members of the General Court for legislation to proclaim June as Portuguese American month. State Administration. |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the Year
One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-nine.
AN ACT PROCLAIMING JUNE AS PORTUGUESE AMERICAN MONTH.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Chapter 6 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 15EEEE the following new section:—
Section 15FFFF. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the month of June as Portuguese-American Month, in recognition of the significant contributions Portuguese-Americans have made to the Commonwealth and to the United States. The governor may include such contributions as he shall see fit, after consultation with Portuguese American groups, in such proclamation and shall recommend that such month be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.