LYNN — A hearty and exuberant group of Dominicans flocked to City Hall Thursday, singing songs and cheering, to celebrate the 176th anniversary of the Caribbean nation.
The annual flag-raising ceremony, which took place in the swirling wind outside the building, first began in 1992.
From the time Jose Luis Martinez began the festivities inside the City Hall foyer by singing a robust “Quisqueya la Bella (Beautiful Dominican Republic) the atmosphere, and the mood, was vibrant.
“It’s a song about how we love our country and celebrate our freedom,” said Frances Martinez, who has been on the planning committee for this Dominican flag-raising ceremony for 21 years.
But at the same time, those who were there reflected what the day meant to them, and their reasons for celebrating.
“This means everything to me,” said Porfirio De Las Nieves, a promoter. “It reminds us that we left our families and came over here for a better life.
“But we’re still connected,” he said.
“This is a wonderful reminder not only of where we come from, but how far we have come,” said Laura Luna, who is a psychologist in the Lynn school system. “It also reminds me that we have a shared history of fighting for freedom.”
“This comes out of a love of the country and a representation of my parents,” Martinez said.
There were about 250 people packed inside the foyer, and each of them received miniature Dominican Republic flags, which they waved wildly for both Jose Luis Martinez’s songs (the other one was Dominicano Suy,” which means “I am Dominican,” said Frances Martinez).
“The song speaks of loyalty, and allegiance,” she said.
Though the attendees displayed the Dominican pride fiercely, they left no doubt about who they are.
“Today,” said former School Committeewoman Maria Carasco, “I am Dominican. But I am an American.
“Today I have a feeling of energy,” she said. “We want to celebrate our heritage.”
Said De Las Nieves, “We feel like we’re blessed to still have our culture and our traditions. And we want to pass them on to the second and third generations, so they can know who they are, and know freedom.”
Luna said that it was particularly meaningful to her to have this celebration in a municipal building.
“It says something about Lynn that is very good,” she said.
Mayor Thomas M. McGee, City Council and School Committee members, and Reps. Peter Capano and Dan Cahill also attended.
“We do this each and every year, and we will continue to do it,” said McGee. “We’re celebrating independence, and we’re also celebrating culture and traditions. And also the many contributions to our community made by the Dominicans.
“I want to thank you all for being outstanding members of the community.”
