Congressman José E. Serrano
Representing the Sixteenth District of New York
PRESS RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Philip Schmidt (202) 225-4361
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 27, 2006

Serrano Presents Dominican and Puerto Rican Flags that Flew in Space


The Bronx, NY – October 27, 2006 – Today, Congressman José E. Serrano presented Eugenio María de Hostos Community College with two flags which flew into space on NASA shuttle missions. Serrano requested that NASA carry these flags—one from Puerto Rico and the other from the Dominican Republic—as an important symbol of gratitude for the immense contributions of these two communities to the United States and to New York City.

“Flags are the symbolic rallying point for the hopes and dreams of both the Dominican and Puerto Rican communities,” Serrano said. “Sending them to space on the NASA shuttle was a way of honoring the achievements of these important communities, and honoring their future aspirations.”

“As a Puerto Rican myself, I cannot adequately express the importance of this moment. Our flag represents our community, which has gone so many places, touched so many lives, and made such important contributions to the world. We have achieved so much in all different fields—and yet we always have remained true to our roots. I believe that we will continue to play our special role in the United States and in the world. I am so very glad to have played a part in honoring the Puerto Rican community in this way.

“Similarly, for the Dominicans, this flag is recognition of all that these great people have done to make this city and nation what it is. Without their contributions to our nation, we would not be who we are today. They are invaluable both as citizens here in the U.S. and as a neighbors in our hemisphere. I feel that sending a flag representing them is a fitting honor and one that I am proud to have been involved with. I salute the Dominican community for everything that it has done and everything that it will do for our nation and our world in the future."

Accepting the flags on behalf of Hostos Community College, President Dolores M. Fernández thanked Congressman Serrano for having made this possible and added, “We always encourage our students—Puerto Rican, Dominican, and all other nationalities—to aim for the skies.  These flags will remind them that with dedication and determination, the sky is indeed the limit.”

“I cannot think of a better place to put these flags on permanent display than at Hostos Community College in the Bronx,” Serrano added. “It is especially fitting because this institution is not only named for a hero of both the Dominican and Puerto Rican people, but also educates many of the Dominican and Puerto Rican people in the Bronx. It is a symbol of the upward path of these communities, as are these flags. I hope that all those who see the flags will recognize the achievements of the Puerto Rican and Dominican communities and the limitless potential of their future.”


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Congressman José E. Serrano has represented the Bronx in the House of Representatives since 1990.

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