---
title: "A resolution commemorating the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, and for other purposes."
identifier: "118-HRES-497"
congress: 118
bill_number: 497
bill_type: "HRES"
version_code: "ih"
version_type: "Introduced in House"
bill_url: "https://chamberzero.com/congresses/118/bills/hres/497"
source: "https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/497"
site: "Chamber Zero"
site_url: "https://chamberzero.com"
rendered_at: "2026-06-04T03:25:53.206Z"
---
Whereas Luís Vaz de Camões is considered one of Portugal’s greatest literary figures, and his epic poem "The Lusiads" ("Os Lusíadas", in Portuguese) is widely regarded as a symbol of Portuguese culture and identity;Whereas Camões is revered for his transformational influence on the Portuguese language, similar to that of Shakespeare in the English language;Whereas the tenth of June commemorates the death of the poet Luís Vaz de Camões in 1580;Whereas every tenth of June the Portuguese celebrate their national holiday known as the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities (known colloquially as the Day of Portugal, or Portugal Day);Whereas the Day of Portugal has been celebrated for decades in Portuguese-American communities throughout the United States, including those in California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey;Whereas the Day of Portugal is a celebration of Portuguese heritage and culture commemorated throughout the Portuguese communities around the world;Whereas the United States has a rich history of cultural diversity and appreciation, including that of the 1,300,000 Portuguese Americans and descendants living in the United States today; andWhereas Portugal was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the United States, and the relationship between Portugal and the United States is one of deep friendship and steadfast alliance: Now, therefore, be itThat the House of Representatives—
  - (1) recognizes and commemorates the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities;
  - (2) recognizes and honors the contributions of Portuguese Americans to society; and
  - (3) reaffirms our commitment to the partnership between the United States and Portugal.