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

November 22, 2023

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you so much. And just really pleased also to be joined by incoming councilman, Councilman Banks. Congratulations. You’re gonna be at a lot of flag raisings. And Suriname is just really representative to the rich diversity of our city. And this is the first flag raising, 110 mayors it took before we understand the importance of not only Suriname, but so many other great contributors to this city. 
  
We are a city of immigrants. We're a city of believers and a city of dreamers where we all come here to be part of the American dream and add our rich culture, our food, our dance. And your 48 years of independence is something that we are celebrating today when we lift the flag. 
  
In a somber note — and I would love for us to take a moment of silence — we know that you lost 10 miners to a mining accident that took place in your country. Our hearts go out to the families and go out to all those who are here who are also feeling this impact. So, we would just take a moment of silence for them. 
   
Thank you. Thank you very much. And this flag raising, as many of our flag raising, is just a way for the people of the City of New York to state that this is one of the most diverse cities on the globe. And when you look at the melting pot of what we all bring, we bring a part of our culture to the city to allow us to solve the international and national problems that we all are facing. 
  
So, I am happy to be here today. I'm happy to participate in the excitement of all of these flag raisings because we want to send a clear message that historically, you only had a few flags that were raised here at Bowling Green. Not anymore. The flags of all of our different nationalities, countries. This is the United Nations of America, not only in the building that sits on our East River, but also in the streets, the communities, the schools, the businesses, our houses of worship, our different faiths, all that we bring here is to state that this is the home of the free, the land of the brave. 
  
And we may come from different walks of life and a different faith, but we all have one fate, and that fate is to move our city stronger, better together. Congratulations on the flag raising…. 
    
And our ambassador. Come and join us, ambassador. How are you? Good to see you.  
  
So, this proclamation, whereas I am honored to lead a city with more than 3.2 million immigrant New Yorkers who enhance the fabric of our cultural, civic and economic life, the Suriname community brings that as well. 
  
Americans have long strengthened the five boroughs, and they will continue to play a key role as we take bold steps to move our global city forward. Today's event offers us an excellent opportunity to recognize the vast contributions of this amazing country. 
  
New Yorkers and [inaudible] as well as others stand in solidarity with the Caribbean sisters and brothers. Together, we continue to ensure that New York remains an inclusive, welcoming and dynamic city of opportunity for all. Eric Adams, mayor of the City of New York.