SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 63

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING MARCH 6, 2009 AS "GREATER ESPANOLA VALLEY DAY" AT THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, the Espanola valley lies nestled in both Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties, is surrounded by the Pueblo of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh and has a vigorous tricultural history; and

     WHEREAS, 1998 marked the four hundredth anniversary of Hispanic influence in the Espanola valley, commencing in 1598 with the first Spanish settlement in Nuevo Mexico and the opening of the trade route known as El Camino Real, running from Mexico to Ohkay Owingeh; and

     WHEREAS, the legislature honors and promotes cultural diversity, including the strong Hispanic culture and traditions that can be found throughout New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the city of Espanola and the counties of Rio Arriba and Santa Fe exemplify cultural diversity and deep-rooted Hispanic traditions;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 6, 2009 be recognized as "Greater Espanola Valley Day" at the New Mexico legislature, honoring the entire Espanola valley for its diversity of culture and long-standing Hispanic traditions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to Walter Dasheno, governor of the Pueblo of Santa Clara; Marcelino Aquino, governor of Ohkay Owingeh; Felipe Martinez, chair of the Rio Arriba county commission; Joseph Maestas, mayor of the city of Espanola; and Archie Vigil, mayor of the village of Chama.

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