At a crowded May 7 NYC press conference, 1199SEIU President George Gresham thanked the organizers of this year’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade for proclaiming him the International Grand Marshal of this year’s parade.

“I am so honored to be here,” Gresham said. “I accept this honor on behalf of 400,000 1199ers. We are honored that you chose us to help lead the parade.”

This year’s parade theme is “Salud – Celebrate Your Health,” announced parade president Madelyn Lugo. She noted that the parade committee each year hosts a series of events that include a walkathon, free health fairs and screenings and educational forums.

“From top decision makers in Washington, to doctors, nurses, administrators and other health workers, Puerto Ricans make a tremendous contribution to bringing the best quality health services and education into our communities,” Lugo said.

Gresham picked up the healthcare theme. In prepared remarks for the parade committee’s press release, he said:

“As healthcare workers, we are on the frontlines every day caring for our patients in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and homecare programs. More and more, the healthcare industry depends on our Latino members to provide culturally competent care to an increasingly diverse patient population. This parade is an incredible way to celebrate the proud Puerto Rican culture with music, art, food and dance, and to build our movement for quality health care for all.”

Joining Gresham at the press conference were the 1199SEIU bomba and plena dancers dressed in traditional costumes. They entered the press conference chanting, “Que bonita bandera,” (“What a beautiful flag!”) and declaring the 1199SEIU will be present on Fifth Avenue, the site of the parade, on June 9th.

Lugo also introduced the other honorees for this year’s parade, including veteran Broadway artist Chita Rivera, this year’s Grand Marshal.

For more information, log onto www.nationalpuertoricandayparade.org.