Dominican President Raises Flag In West Orange: Hispanic Heritage

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of Joe Fagan, West Orange town historian. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off at West Orange Town Hall on October 1 with profound cultural elements and special added historical significance. All the flags of Latin American countries were marched in one by one and placed on a special podium creating a colorful display. They graced the steps of town hall as a unifying round of applause was given for each country. Speeches in Spanish and English helped exhibit the palpable sense of both pride and respect felt for everyone within the West Orange Hispanic community. Traditional Argentina dances were performed for the gathered crowd and Mexican singer Mariano Cersa gave a striking solo performance as he engaged the audience.

History was made as only one flag was raised up the town hall flag pole. West Orange Deputy Mayor Rodolfo Rodriguez, explained in Spanish that the honor would be given to the Dominican Republic because three-time president of the island nation President Leonel Fernández was in attendance. It was the first time in West Orange history that a foreign president raised a flag at West Orange Town Hall. President Fernández stood alongside West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi at the flagpole just prior to the raising offering his appreciation to the Mayor for the distinction of the honor in West Orange. The country’s National Anthem "Quisqueyanos Valientes" was sung during the historic event.

President Fernández slowly raised the flag of his country alongside the American flag in West Orange. Speeches later given by both President Fernández and Mayor Parisi further expressed the mutual admiration and respect between the two men. Mayor Parisi also extended his gratitude and appreciation to the West Orange Hispanic Foundation who sponsored the annual event.

President Fernández is expected to win reelection in his fourth non-consecutive term as the Dominican Republic president in 2022. Under Dominican law presidents cannot serve consecutive terms and must seek reelection. President Fernández has met with two former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Barrack Obama at the White House in the past.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.