Senate Resolution No. 2122
BY: Senator RAMOS
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 20, 2019, as
Colombian Independence Day in the State of New York
WHEREAS, Colombian Americans have contributed greatly to the wealth
and cultural heritage of our great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 20, 2019, as Colombian
Independence Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, On July 20, 1810, Colombian patriots stirred the population
of Bogota into street protests against Spanish rule; this was the
beginning of the process that, after almost a decade, led to the
definitive independence of Columbia; and
WHEREAS, It was in Pore, Casanare, that generals Simon Bolivar and
Francisco de Paula Santander, and the Provincial Congress proclaimed
their intentions to form a new government separate of the Spaniards in
1818; and
WHEREAS, Eight years after their initial "cry for independence" in
1810, the pro-independence army left Pore and ultimately defeated their
colonial masters during the legendary Battle of Boyaca; and
WHEREAS, Two hundred years after Simon Bolivar and Francisco de
Paula Santander led the fight for the independence from Spain and
established the Republica; despite the challenges they have met along
their history, the Colombian people have developed a strong national
identity; and
WHEREAS, Simon Bolivar escaped to Cartagena, the main seaport of
neighboring Colombia, which is in rebel hands, and here he pens a
powerful political pamphlet, the "Manifesto de Cartagena," addressed to
the citizens of New Granada; in it, he offers the inspiring vision of a
united effort to expel the Spaniards; and
WHEREAS, In 1819, Simon Bolivar's small force, of only about 2,500
men, used cowhide boats to cross a succession of flooded tributaries of
the Orinoco; this ordeal is followed by one even worse, a mountain
crossing during which a considerable number of the independence band die
of cold; and
WHEREAS, However, the surprise holds, and the men descend from the
high passes upon an unsuspecting enemy; the Spanish army surrendered
after a skirmish at Boyaca, on August 7, 1819; three days later Simon
Bolivar enters Bogota, and the Republica de Colombia is proclaimed on
December 17th; once the independence process was completed, the new
nation covered the entire region of modern Colombia, Panama, Ecuador,
and Venezuela; and
WHEREAS, The first Colombian immigrants who settled in the United
States likely arrived in the 1800s; the first Colombian Immigrants and
Colombian Americans community formed after World War I, through the
arrival of several hundred professionals who established themselves in
New York City; later on, more people were added to the community when
Colombian Immigrant students decided to stay in the United States after
earning their degrees; and
WHEREAS, As of the 2000 Census, 228,400 Colombian Immigrants and
Colombian Americans were living in the New York metro area, with a
population of 138,768 in Jackson Heights, Queens; and
WHEREAS, Colombian Independence Day provides an opportunity to
recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and
character of life, and, through events and activities, for all people to
gain a greater appreciation of Colombian history and traditions, and of
the role Colombian Americans have played, and will continue to play, in
our society; and
WHEREAS, By recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of
Colombian Americans, this great Empire State reaffirms our commitment to
diversity and equal opportunity for all, thereby ensuring a bright
future for all New Yorkers and Americans; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 20, 2019, as
Colombian Independence Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.
