The
Puerto Rican
Day Parade

- June 11, 2000
Even for a Sunday, when many take to the beach or go out of town to enjoy the last day of the all-too-short weekend, this Sunday the Bronx was unusually empty. The place to be, for many, was not our Bronx, but Manhattan where the National Puerto Rican Day Parade was taking place. Starting on 44th Street and 5th Avenue and ending at 68th Street, seemingly all the cars could be seen displaying the Puerto Rican flag as so many Bronxites went south for the day to enjoy the parade.

Anyone who was anyone was there to be part of this Puerto Rican day of pride and celebration. Politicians, including Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, who jestingly offered to dance the Mambo down the parade route, took part in the festivities.

Also there was Rosie Perez (pictured above), who started out wanting and studying to become a marine biologist and instead has become a well known Puerto Rican actress, successfully making the crossover to American films. Unfortunately Marc Anthony, the popular and famous Puerto Rican singer, could not make it this year, but he sent a video explaining that he was on his tour representing the Puerto Rican people, as he always does wherever he's at. He expressed his regret at not being able to attend.

This year the parade was marked by a note of sadness, more like a missing note. The recent passing away of Tito Puente (1923 - 2000), the beloved and famous bandleader/percussionist who help defined Latin Jazz, was felt by all. Adored and respected by the Puerto Rican Community, he was the Ambassador of music and goodwill and an icon who will never be replaced. It is fitting that the parade was not canceled. Instead, it was dedicated to him and it became a tribute to his memory. His family, including his son and daughter (Below: NBC Co-Commentator), who took part in the parade, reassured the public that in honor of his memory everyone should enjoy the day as he would want the public to do. Yes, Tito Puente's talent and musical notes were absent this year, but they were felt and heard loud and clear by all who loved him, enjoyed his music, and relived happy memories of a man who knew how to live and loved seeing people enjoy themselves as they danced to his music. He wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

So it went. A good time was had by all, with Tito Puente there in spirit. May he rest in peace.