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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2002
PR-139-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HOSTS RECEPTION
AT GRACIE MANSION IN CELEBRATION OF THE 7TH ANNUAL
PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion to celebrate the
7th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. The parade will be held Sunday, June 9th along 5th Avenue and will travel from 44th Street to 86th Street. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade was established in 1995 and is the successor of the New York Puerto Rican Day Parade, which had operated for 38 consecutive years, enhancing the pride of the Puerto Rican people and promoting their contributions to the United States. Among those attending the reception were Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs Carol Robles-Roman, newly appointed Executive Director of the Commission on Women's Issues, Carmen Rita Torrent, Musician, Community Leader Willie Colon, Mayor Edgardo Alequin of Guayanilla, and Mayor Edwin Rivera of Cataño as well as other Puerto Rican Mayors and New York City officials.

"I am delighted to be here celebrating the culture and contribution of Puerto Ricans to New York City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The Puerto Rican Day Parade is a wonderful display of pride and heritage that enriches our City. This year's parade reminds us of the heroism displayed by the uniformed Puerto Ricans that serve our City and it will be my honor to march alongside them Sunday to display our appreciation."

This year's parade theme is Puerto Ricans in Uniforms in Public Service. The parade dedications go to the Puerto Rican Municipalities of Cataño and Guayanilla. The National Grand Marshall will be New York Police Department Chief of Patrol Nicholás Estavillo and U.S. Representative Jose Serrano will be the Grand Marshall of New York.

Mayor Bloomberg presented Ralph Morales, Chairperson of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, with a Proclamation at the reception in recognition of the Puerto Rican community and their contribution to New York City.

The parade will be broadcast live by WNBC, the official television station of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and Latino Mix 105.9 FM and 1280 Radio Wado are the official radio stations. The official print media representatives are HOY and Newsday.


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Lark-Marie Antón
(212) 788-2958