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

November 28, 2023

Mayor Eric Adams: One thing is for sure, this is not Panamanian weather. You know?

So, you know, 120 years, and when you think about the long, rich history of the Panamanian community, from Little Panama on Franklin Avenue and the Crown Heights sections of Brooklyn to Canarsie through the entire city. And every time I look at the celebration of our various communities that make up this very rich and diverse melting pot of ideas, of culture, of song, you have to look towards those men and women who are part of the New York City Police Department. Some of them are here. They serve and protect our city, and it really gives us the right and authority of saying how important each culture is to the city.

Ingrid never lets me forget she's Panamanian. You know, she makes it clear all the time. And this is the second year. It took 110 mayors before you were able to raise your flag here to show how much you mean to this city, where the largest Panamanian population in the country is in New York City. And that says a lot. So, viva Panama, let's raise the flag and let's celebrate the great independence.

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