Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and city, state, and federal officials celebrated Puerto Rican Heritage Month with the City of Springfield’s annual Puerto Rican flag raising ceremony on Monday, November 4, 2024 at City Hall out on the front steps.
During the ceremony, Mayor Sarno issued a proclamation declaring the month of November as Puerto Rican Heritage month in the City of Springfield. This year, 2024, marks the 35th anniversary of Puerto Rican Heritage Month celebrations in the City. Gumersindo Gomez, one of the founders of this celebration, served as emcee today. Attendees included State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representatives Carlos Gonzalez, Bud Williams, and Orlando Ramos, City Councilors Maria Perez, Mike Fenton, Lavar Click-Bruce, and Jose Delgado, Schools Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall, Chief of Family and Community Engagement Jose Escribano, Holyoke Mayor Josh Garcia, and Jesse Lederman who serves as Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ed Markey.
Mayor Sarno states, “Springfield is proud of our diversity, especially our Puerto Rican community, who have contributed to the well-being and betterment of our city for generations. We have marked Puerto Rican Heritage Month here in Springfield for over 30 years. We are proud to continue to honor and recognize our City’s Puerto Rican Heritage and the positive contributions and impact from our Puerto Rican community to our Springfield, the Commonwealth, and the Nation.”
“When the island of Puerto Rico was hit with natural disasters, such as hurricane Maria, we here in Springfield collectively rallied together to provide relief and to welcome our fellow Americans that were displaced, who we now proudly call neighbor, friend, colleague, family.”
“During Puerto Rican Heritage Month and all throughout the year, my Administration is proud to support and recognize the great contributions Puerto Ricans have made in the world. We will join to raise the Puerto Rican flag once again on National Borrinqueñeer's Day in April, paying tribute to the bravery, service, sacrifices, valor, and adversities that our honorable Puerto Rican and Hispanic soldiers overcame while serving our country, and march through the streets celebrating at our annual Springfield Puerto Rican Parade in September. The City of Springfield takes great pride in flying the Puerto Rican flag to celebrate the culture, history and achievements of the Puerto Rican community – ‘Viva Puerto Rico!’”
