FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release #059-00
Thursday, February 17, 2000

Release #059-00

MAYOR GIULIANI SALUTES THE DOMINICAN COMMUNITY ON THE 156th ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Proclaims January 26th Through February 27th Dominican Heritage Month

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today proclaimed January 26th through February 27th as Dominican Heritage Month in commemoration of the 156th anniversary of the Dominican Republic's Independence. Every year, the Dominican community sponsors a series of concerts, conferences, exhibits, lectures and other events to celebrate the country's history and culture.

Joining the Mayor were Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services Ninfa Segarra; Consul General of the Dominican Republic Máximo Corcino; and other distinguished members of the Dominican community.

"Currently the largest community of immigrants to New York City, Dominicans strongly share the American values of family, faith and hard work," the Mayor said. "Their growth and prosperity in all areas of our society have helped revive and rejuvenate neighborhoods throughout the City.

"New York was the first Capital of the United States under the American Constitution. We share a love of freedom with the Dominican Community and
it is a great pleasure to commemorate the Independence of the Dominican Republic."

The campaign for the Independence of the Dominican Republic began in 1831 under the leadership of Juan Pablo Duarte, who formed a secret society named The Trinity. Thirteen years later, he succeeded in commanding a decisive uprising, which resulted in Independence for the Dominican Republic. After the long and hard campaign for freedom had ended, a ceremonial musket shot fired on February 27, 1844 marked the Dominican Republic's first official Independence Day.

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