FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 16, 2024
CONTACT: Karina Diaz, Hudson County Executive’s Office
PHONE: 201-795-6200
JERSEY CITY, NJ — County Executive Craig Guy celebrated Dominican Restoration Day with an annual flag raising ceremony of the national flag of the Dominican Republic. The Board of County Commissioners, including Chairman Anthony Romano, Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08), and Mrs. Sylvia Bryson were in attendance. Olga Garcia, Engineer from Hoboken and Garfield’s Reina Dominicana, served as the keynote speaker and a dance performance was presented by Albania Espaillat, a Mangulina Dancer.
“The influence of the Dominican people can be felt throughout Hudson County and our state. From the food to the music, to the graciousness of the people – the Dominican Republic has permeated the very fabric of the diverse, colorful tapestry of our County along with the many other cultural groups that call Hudson home,” said Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive. “Today, August 16th, marks an important point in Dominican and world history in which Dominican nationalists dedicated their lives to restoring the sovereignty for their country. Your dedicated contributions here in Hudson County, throughout the state, and in the Dominican Republic are immensely appreciated and respected.”
The Dominican Restoration War, or the Dominican War of Restoration, was a guerilla war between 1863 and 1864 in the Dominican Republic between nationalists and Spain, the latter of which had recolonized the country 17 years after its independence.
The war resulted in the restoration of Dominican sovereignty, the withdrawal of Spanish forces, the separation of the Captaincy General of Santo Domingo from Spain, and the establishment of a second republic in the Dominican Republic.
August 16th is commemorated as a national holiday in the Dominican Republic, as well as the day the Dominican president is sworn into office every four years. This gives Dominican Republic the distinction of being one of the few countries in the world to win its independence more than once.
The following community members were guests of honor:
- Raymundo De La Rosa De Leon, Coronel Director;
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Grimilda Batista, Capitan;
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Osvaldo Altagracias, Capitan;
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Noemi Prado, Teniente;
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Ronny De Jesus, Teniente;
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Luis Velez, Consejal;
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Christina Schratz, Reyna Dominicana and Commissioner for the Board of Education in Passaic;
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Olga Garcia, Engineer in Hoboken and Garfield’s Reina Dominicana.
The following community members received citations:
- Carol M. Sainthilaire, Executive Director of The Waterfront Project;
- Elsa Mantilla, President & Founder of the Desfile Dominicano de NJ;
- Francisco A. Castro, Technical Engineer;
- Elvito E. Deris Baez, Former Director of NJ Consulate;
- Mariano Henriquez, Businessman.
For photos from the flag raising, click here.