NEW YORK – Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement commemorating Dominican Independence Day, which was celebrated on February 27, 2012:

"I am very pleased to congratulate Dominicans here at home and abroad as they celebrated 169 years of independence. Dominicans are some of the most industrious, exuberant, and patriotic members in our global community and I am proud to represent one of the largest concentrations of Dominicans outside of the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas and is home to the first Catholic cathedral and higher education institution in the Western Hemisphere. Dominicans sought freedom and individual liberty because they wanted to build better opportunities for their families. We must remember the brave efforts of revolutionaries Juan Pablo Duarte, Ramon Matias Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sanchez who guided Dominicans to independence from Haiti in 1844.

I introduced the Dominican-American Heritage Resolution in October 2011 which honors the invaluable economic, social, and cultural contributions they have made in our country. Dominican-Americans have been an integral factor in our national fabric for well over 230 years. They are the largest population of entrepreneurs within the Hispanic minority small business community in New York City. Our Manhattan Congressional District is fortunate to have these key players aid in America's economic recovery.  So many notable Dominicans have made America even greater, from New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat to athletes like Sammy Sosa in Major League Baseball and legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta and the countless professionals in medicine, law, education, public service, and the Armed Forces.

I will continue to honor and celebrate the perseverance of freedom fighters from the past and those in the present who are working to change our future for the better."