Governor highlights statehood in July 4 commemoration

Governor González Colón delivers remarks during the July 4 ceremony in San Lorenzo, where she dedicated Puerto Rico’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States to the pursuit of statehood, calling equality the principle that best honors the nation’s founding ideals.

By THE STAR STAFF

Governor Jenniffer Aydin González Colón dedicated Saturday’s commemorative events marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States to the cause of statehood.

“Today I made a very conscious decision. I chose to dedicate this commemoration to statehood—not because this is a partisan event, and not because we are celebrating a political victory as statehood has had on several occasions, but because I am convinced there is no better way to honor the principles that gave rise to the United States 250 years ago than by reaffirming our commitment to the principle that summarizes them all: equality,” González Colón said in her remarks.

“We believe in statehood because we are convinced that our identity is so strong that it does not depend on a political status. We will continue being the island of music, the island of our culture, our faith, our traditions, and the immense pride we feel in calling ourselves Puerto Rican. That is why we dedicate these 250 years to the commemoration of equality and the pursuit of statehood,” she added.

The official ceremonies were held at the Plaza de los Alcaldes in San Lorenzo, with state and federal officials, members of the Armed Forces, veterans, community leaders, and citizens in attendance to mark the historic occasion.