Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag-Raising Ceremony for Kazakhstan

October 22, 2024

Commissioner Ed Mermelstein, Mayor’s Office of International Affairs: In the 1940s, Kazakhstan was a country that provided refuge to my father and his family during World War II. And that country provided refuge to so many from the Soviet Union during a very, very difficult time. 

Standing here today in front of all of you in an administration that represents a very similar type of story in a city that has been providing refuge for tens of millions of people over the last several hundred years. I am proud to introduce the mayor who has stood behind this very special city during such difficult times, providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of people that have passed through New York. It is a great honor and pleasure to introduce 110th mayor of New York City, Mayor Eric Adams. 

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. It's a beautiful story that the commissioner talked about and it just goes to show us that although we celebrate our independence, we are dependent on each other. And nothing personifies that more than this great community, the Kazakhstan community and the three years that we have been raising the flag. 

When I became the mayor, I wanted to make sure that this community was acknowledged and understood that we appreciate your contributions and what you bring as part of the melting pot of ideas, of culture, of how we live in unison as one. When we do these flag raisings here at the foundation of our economic strength, a place we call Bowling Green, it's an opportunity of all of our countries to know that you are not forgotten. In fact, you are part of the fabric of this great city. 

We want to continue that relationship, that success. We want you to continue to contribute to what we believe is the foundation of our city. You believe in family, you believe in faith, you believe in public safety, you believe in business, and that is why we want to celebrate you and lift your flag and say happy independence. 

Let's continue to be independent as our individual cultures and countries, but let's be dependent on each other how we continue to make this the city where we all can reach the full potential of our dreams, and that's the American Dream. Thank you so much.

Let's raise your flag.

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