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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 146-04
June 10, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HOSTS RECEPTION IN CELEBRATION OF THE NINTH ANNUAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

Nine Puerto Rican Mayors Join This Year’s Gracie Mansion Celebration

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion to celebrate the 9th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.  The parade, which will be held on Sunday, June 13th, will travel up 5th Avenue from 44th to 86th Streets.  The theme of this year’s parade is “Celebrating Our Culture.”  The National Puerto Rican Day Parade was established to enhance the pride of the Puerto Rican people and promote their contributions to the United States.  Joining the Mayor at the reception were nine Mayors representing different Puerto Rican municipalities:  Carlos Lopez Rivera, Mayor of Dorado; Alan Gonzalez Cancel, Mayor of Utuado; Marcos Irrizary Pagan, Mayor of Lajas; Carlos Lopez Bonilla, Mayor of  Rincon; Francisco Lopez Lopez, Mayor of Barranquitas; William Miranda Marin, Mayor of Caguas; Francisco Nazario Feliu, Mayor of Hormigueros; Ramon Rivera Cruz, Mayor of Bayamon; and Walter Torres Maldonado, Mayor of  Penuelas.  Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs Carol Robles-Román, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Musician Willie Colón and other New York City officials also attended the event. 

“This is the third year that I have the pleasure of celebrating The National Puerto Rican Day Parade by hosting this reception and marching in this weekend’s parade,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “New York has the honor of being the home to the largest Puerto Rican population outside of San Juan.  It is no surprise that this community’s culture and spirit is felt and celebrated everyday throughout the City.”        
          
This year’s parade is dedicated to the Puerto Rican Municipality of Dorado.  During the reception, Mayor Bloomberg and Mayor Carlos Lopez Rivera exchange keys to their Cities.  The National Grand Marshall is president and CEO of Banco Popular Richard Carrion.  Also recognized at this year’s celebration was Army Private First Class (PFC) Jeans Oscar Cruz, Jr.  PFC Cruz was part of the unit that assisted in the capture of Saddam Hussein.  PFC Cruz is a Bronx native and this year’s Grand Marshall of the Hijos de Salinas group, a contingent in the Puerto Rican Day Parade. 

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; Latino Mix 105.9 FM and 1280 Radio WADO are the official radio stations. The official print media representatives are HOY and Newsday.







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