FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2024
CONTACT: Karina Diaz, Hudson County Executive’s Office
PHONE: 201-795-6200
JERSEY CITY, NJ — County Executive Craig Guy, Board of County Commissioners Chairman Anthony Romano, and the Board of County Commissioners commemorated Puerto Rican culture and history with the Annual Hudson County Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony at the Historic Brennan Courthouse. The County Executive was joined by Congressman Rob Menendez (N.J.-08), and President of the Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Art and Culture (JCPRHAC), Melissa Sarmiento.
“Hudson County is proud to fly the Puerto Rican flag at the Historical Brennan Courthouse in commemoration and honor of Puerto Rican culture and influence in our communities. The nearly 60,000 Puerto Rican Americans that call our county home have, over several decades, made incredible contributions to Hudson County and have supplemented our diverse, rich fabric that makes up our county,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “And as we join together to celebrate and raise this flag, we pray for the safety and wellbeing of Puerto Rico’s residents and families as they brace for Tropical Storm Ernesto this evening. Que Viva Puerto Rico!”
“I am thrilled to celebrate the culture and the contributions of the thousands of Puerto Ricans who call Hudson County home,” said Congressman Rob Menendez, Jr. (NJ-08). “In Congress, I’ve worked to deliver federal funds to further recognize Puerto Rican heritage in our community. This flag raising reaffirms our commitment to continue working towards that important goal.”
The Puerto Rican National Anthem was performed by Mia Saez. Alejandro Santos performed Paraiso de la Dulzura by Hector Lavoe.
Honorees for this year include:
- Tonio Burgos, Grand Marshal;
- O. Marquis G. Santiago, Hudson County Correction Officer Of The Year;
- Alejandro Romero, Doctor of the Year;
- Mario B. Gonzalez, Entrepreneur Of The Year;
- Natalya Flores, Young Entrepreneur Of The Year;
- Arnaldo Borges, Jersey City Firefighter Of The Year;
- Andres Acebo, Honorary Puerto Rican;
- Sonia Marte-Dublin, Madrina Local;
- Detective Lydiana Diaz, JCPD Investigator of the Year;
- Lucy Rojas, JCPD Supervisor of the Year;
- O. Christian Rodriguez, JCPD Officer of the Year – North;
- O. Amanda Martinez, JCPD Officer of the Year – West;
- Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, Puerto Rican Woman of the Year;
- Bolivar Flores, Religious Leader of the Year;
- O. Jason A. Hansen, Hudson County Sheriff Officer of the Year;
- GOYA CARES, Community Business of the Year;
- Janeen Maniscalco, Principal of the Year;
- DJ Reymo, DJ of the Year;
- Peggy Anastos, Madrina Internacional;
- Alcalde Rolando Ortiz Velazquez, Padrino Internacional;
- Peter Carattini, Security Guard of the Year;
- Jaida Guerra, JR. Athlete of the Year.
In attendance were members of the JCPRHAC including President Melissa Sarmiento, Vice President Jennise Sarmiento, Secretary Vanessa Sarmiento, Royal Court Director Sandra Rivera, Royal Court Liaison Marilyn Rivera, Treasurer Walkidia Staten, and Music Coordinator Emmanuel Flores as well as Puerto Rican Youth Ambassadors Lailany Maldonado, Gianna Flores, and Tonisha Sanabria.
The JCPRHAC will be hosting their 64th Annual Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, August 18th.
For photos from the flag raising, click here.
For a video of the flag raising, click here.