By Alberto Suris
Initiating the events of “Mes de la Patria”, (Month of the Motherland), Casa Dominicana Inc. held the hoisting of their tricolor flag on Saturday, January 25th during an activity that drew dozens of people at Campagnone Common by the Robert Frost fountain, in front of City Hall.
With the presence of Ana Medina, Chairman of Casa Dominicana, the flag was raised by Treasurer Nazario Esquea and Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera. Also present were State Representatives Frank Moran and Marcos Devers, City Council President Modesto Maldonado and Councilors Kendrys Vasquez and Marc Laplante as well as general public who joined in a single embrace of brotherhood.
Among the speakers at the event were Mayor Rivera and Councilor Maldonado who highlighted the great contributions Dominicans have made to the community.
Mayor Rivera gave a proclamation to Casa Dominicana for their work teaching English and Citizenship, and their efforts to keep alive the patriotic spirit and proud to be Dominican in Lawrence, known as “The Immigrant City.”
For its part, Maldonado, also Dominican, said that a high portion of Lawrence’s economy depends on the hard work Dominicans do every day not only for their families but paying their taxes. He said that more Dominican professionals also excel in many facets ranging from science, technology and education to sports, art and even volunteer work.
“Dominicans are hard working people, entrepreneurs, fair, good and dedicated to our families and communities where people live,” Maldonado said.
Among other present dignitaries were Alderman of the City of Holyoke, MA, Anthony Soto; the President of Hispanic Week, Arnaldo Dávila; Lawrence School Committeemember Pavel Payano and his father, retired teacher and political analyst Pedro Payano.
Acting as emcees were Ernesto Bautista of MassTV and Pavel Payano, a young professional, who also aspires for State Senator in the elections this year.
Esquea and Medina thanked those present for their assistance and the support provided by the Mayor in carrying out the activity.
Details of the event were collected by Ernesto Bautista and his camera of MassTV program, among other media.
The event ended with the presentation of a dance to the rhythm of merengue by the group of girls of Taller Borinqueño, led by Professor Vanessa Espéndez while the public delighted the palate with a hot and spicy ginger tea, and Dominican biscuits and muffins.
The Standing Committee of the Dominican Republic Efemérides Patrias, has designated as “The Month of the Nation” for the period from January 26 to February 27 for the large number of historical events that occurred during these dates, although in different years. Among them, the most celebrated are the birth of the Dominican Father of the Country Juan Pablo Duarte, on January 26, 1813, and the anniversary of Dominican Independence on February 27, 1844.
During “The Month of the Nation”, Dominicans in Lawrence and other cities with large presence of Quisqueyanos, (Dominicans) fly the flag of their country as a symbol of patriotism, unity and sublime expression of being Dominican.
Congratulations to the laborious Dominicans community of the Merrimack Valley in celebrating their heritage.
