Club Dominicano MTS INC hosted the annual Dominican Flag Raising with Guest Speaker Mayor Hector C. Lora at Passaic City Hall
Passaic, NJ- On August 20, 2023, Mayor Hector C. Lora attended the annual Dominican Flag Raising ceremony as the guest speaker to celebrate the Restoration of the Dominican Republic. Dominican historian and keynote speaker Angel Marte was also in attendance. The event was hosted by Pedro Barret, President of the Club Dominicano MTS. Mayor Lora was accompanied by the First Lady of Passaic, Nicauris Lora, alongside members of the Passaic City Council, such as Assemblyman and Council President Gary Schaer, Jose Garcia, and Maritza Colon-Montanez. Vice President of the Board Judith Sanchez and Councilwoman Thania Melo Passaic, residents of Dominican descent, and Club Dominicano MTS Inc. members were also present.
Mayor Lora, who is of Dominican descent, was introduced by Dominican radio personality Alberto Peguero. The Mayor welcomed everyone by expressing his most profound gratitude for those who had come out to show their support, “ In this ceremony, which is a demonstration of our deep appreciation for the diversity of our remarkable city, our county, our state, and our nation. It is in our diversity that we can find our strength”.
The event was also attended by active members of the Dominican community, including Consul General Angel Pichardo from the Dominican Consulate in Paterson, New Jersey. The significance of raising the Dominican Flag lies in commemorating the hard-fought victory achieved by the Dominican Republic. Mr. Marte provided a summary of the Dominican Restoration War against Spain, seventeen years after the Dominican nation fought for its independence from Haiti. The Dominican Restoration War, also known as the Dominican War of Restoration, occurred between August 16th, 1863, and July 15, 1865. It was a significant event in the country's history and centered around restoring Dominican independence from Spanish rule. The battle was led by commanders Jose Antonio Salcedo and Gaspar Luperon, who achieved victory and restored Dominican sovereignty.
As the event concluded, Dominican flags and empanadas were distributed. The Dominican community sang, cheered, and celebrated as the flag-raising ceremony concluded. For more information, please visit: https://www.cityofpassaic.com/
