Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag Raising Ceremony for Ireland | City of New York


Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag Raising Ceremony for Ireland

March 16, 2023

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Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. Thank you. And being O'Adams, there is a real feeling that I come from Irish ancestry. How about that? I think nothing is more important, even as people stand on this line coming from different parts of the globe to come experience and watch what we do here in our city. But to have an immigrant of Mexican descent come and acknowledge the rich heritage of the Irish heritage in this country is a real signal of who and what we believe, and how we know that we uplift each other because our journeys are the same.

When I was in Ireland a few years ago, I talked about meeting those who were there and talked about the richness and importance of the families and what it means and the family name. And that is who and what we are as a country. And so I'm proud that we raised the flag here on Bowling Green last year, the first time it was ever raised. But also know the rich history of the Irish community built in the Brooklyn Bridge, our subway system, joining our police forces and other civil service, going through some of the difficult challenges of coming, being a new arrival here in America, like so many other ethnic groups.

But what makes us great is that dash that sits between our names that states, "Hold onto your heritage and your culture and come and embrace this beautiful place we call America." When we raise this flag, we also raise our spirits and our understanding that no matter how difficult it is, that we are resilient. And we're resilient, not because of our builders, not because of our parades, not because of our Broadway, we're resilient because we are Americans, and we are made up of the best stuff on earth. And that's Americans, and Irish Americans is very much part of that. So, I'm happy to be here to raise the flag again, and as long as I'm the mayor of the City of New York, I'm going to be here to raise and celebrate the greatness of the Irish community and all of our community. Thank you so much. Have a great, safe St. Patrick Day. See you at the parade tomorrow.

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