By: Yuritza Arroyo
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the annual Union County Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony in commemoration of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Communities.
According to officials, the event will take place on Thursday, June 8th at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
The event is free for all to attend.
“As a Commissioner Chairman of Portuguese descent, it is always with immense pride that I announce our flag raising for Portugal Day,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
“New Jersey is home to almost 80,000 people who identify as Portuguese origin and approximately 20,000 of those people call Union County their home.
This is an important day for our Portuguese community, as this flag stands as a symbol of unity, pride, and the rich heritage each of us carry within us.
Together, let us celebrate our nation's past, embrace the challenges of the present, and pave the way for a brighter future.”
The event is being co-sponsored by the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS).
PALCUS is a national non-profit based in the Washington D.C. area with a defined mission to be the national voice that advocates for and promotes the advancement of the Portuguese-American community economically, professionally, culturally and politically.
The flag-raising will include a short speaking program with special guest Dr. Luís B. Sequeira, Consul General of Portugal in Newark as well as the singing of both “The Star Spangled Banner” as well as “A Portuguesa,” the national anthem of Portugal, sung by Soloist Elyana Barroqueiro of the Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains.
“As the only national level Portuguese-American organization, PALCUS places tremendous value on local efforts to celebrate and divulge Portuguese culture,” said Katherine S. Soares, Chair, Board of Directors, PALCUS.
“We are proud to once again co-sponsor this annual flag raising as it recognizes and celebrates the contributions and success of the Portuguese-American community within the County we call home. PALCUS wishes everyone a Feliz Dia de Portugal!”
