Like the poem engraved on the Statue of Liberty, Union City is a town that reaches out to the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” drawing many diverse immigrant populations. As a result, the town hosts various flag raisings and the other ethnic-themed events throughout the year.
With Union City about 85 percent Latino, according to a city official, the administration of Mayor Brian Stack celebrates the heritage of virtually every country where Spanish is the native tongue. But they also host events for Asian and Mediterranean countries.
The Spanish-speaking countries include Peru, Ecuador, Cuba, Honduras, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Recently, on Sept. 15, a flag-raising was held for natives and descendants of Brazil at the city’s International Park, across the street from City Hall.
“We do all of Latin America,” said Commissioner Celin J. Valdivia, who oversees public property, parks, and recreation.
The city has also paid homage to Italy, Greece, and South Korea with flag raisings and cultural events.
“We raise the Israeli flag, too,” said Valdivia, of the Yom Kippur observance each year for the city’s Jewish population.
“It’s good to celebrate the origins of each culture.” – Commissioner Maryury Martinetti
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The city’s Italian population is honored around Columbus Day, when a lunch is held for seniors prior to that flag-raising.
Union City is a mosaic, where various ethnic groups settle and retain their uniqueness, not a “melting pot,” where different ethnic groups meld and lose their identity. Martinetti thinks it is important to hold these different celebrations.
“It’s good to celebrate the origins of each culture. It’s good to keep them alive,” she said. “It is important for our kids to know where they came from. It’s who you are. It gives you a sense of pride.”
At the observance for Brazil, Commissioner Lucio Fernandez lauded the addition of the South American country to the roster of those Union City honors.
“This is the first our city has raised the Brazilian flag,” he said. “It is the first time and hopefully not the last time.”
Francisco Isla, a Spanish-language magazine editor, attended. Though not a Brazilian native, he lived there for part of a year, and was happy the ceremony was held.
“We have to uphold the culture of each Latin country, especially since we are far away,” he said. “We leave our family and friends back in our country. This is the closest thing to home that we have.”
Proud honoree
Martinetti presented two proclamations from the city, to artist Irene Nunes and to her In Art Cafe. Nunes is a Brazilian native and naturalized American citizen who is heavily involved in the promotion of Brazilian art and culture.
“Irene came here in 2002, to promote art, locally and internationally,” Martinetti said. “She is a true example of the Brazilian people.”
Nunes is a former North Bergen resident, and the former owner of a business on Park Avenue in Weehawken, near the Union City border.
Tributes to all
The Union City High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps was on hand to pay tribute at the event. The corps appears at all municipal flag raisings at International Park, according to Gunnery Sgt. Miguel Quinones.
“It’s good for them to understand about being here and being part of the community,” Quinones said.
Another recent flag raising ceremony was held at noon on Friday, Sept. 26 for the people of Honduras.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.