Lynn Dominicans celebrate pride, independence

LYNN – Patrecia Martinez sang the Dominican Republic’s national anthem and watched her native land’s flag rise in front of City Hall amidst falling snow Thursday as she took time to honor the island nation’s 170th birthday.”We don’t have much, but we’re free and we’re happy,” Martinez said.She marked the day by joining 60 other local Dominicans in welcoming newly named Dominican Consul to Boston Ana Gratereaux to Lynn.Gratereaux, in remarks translated by North Shore Latino Business Association Director Frances Martinez, urged Dominicans to “keep yourselves united” to preserve Dominican culture and heritage.School Committee member Maria Carrasco estimated 8,000 Dominicans or children and grandchildren of Dominican natives live in the city. They run businesses, attend local schools and participate in local organizations, said Carrasco, even as they keep their homes focused on Dominican food and traditional music and dances like salsa and merengue.Gustavo Aguiar said Thursday’s ceremony marked independence over Haitian and Spanish dominance.”The United States fought for its freedom; we did too,” he said.During independence ceremonies Thursday, the association honored community leaders, including Aguiar, youth sports advocate Angel Soto, association chairman Domingo Dominguez, nonprofit community leader Gertrudis Batista, cultural dance advocate Yajaira Rodriguez and Puerto Rican community leader Lucy Colchado.The association also recognized four local high school honor students: Catherine Espinoza, Angel Bautista, Leonardo Fernandez and Alondra Crespo.”These are leaders,” said Martinez.