Parade of flags in City Hall highlights Hispanic Heritage Month

Friday, 30 October 2009 13:22

The Bridgeport Hispanic Heritage Committee paid tribute to the Americas with a ceremony at the Oct. 19 City Council meeting at City Hall.

The event marked Hispanic Heritage Month, a nationwide celebration that highlights the community’s roots, history and collective heritage from mid-September through mid-October.

Bridgeport students, wearing the uniforms of their respective schools, carried flags of all Latin-American countries during the ceremony. The Bridgeport Police Department honor guard displayed colors, and a city proclamation noted the Hispanic community’s many contributions to the city and nation.

State Superior Court Judge Eddie Rodriguez Jr. said the recent appointment of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor symbolizes the importance of inclusiveness. Although this appointment is one of the highest achievements, the Hispanic presence and contributions are part of the founding of the country, Rodriguez said.

The Tarpukuy-Sembrando Arte y Cultura Peruana, a Peruvian arts and culture ensemble, performed folk dances. A proclamation was read by Bridgeport state Rep. Andres Ayala, the Rev. Lourdes Quiñones of Iglesia Cristiana Renacer gave an opening prayer, and Lara Harscovitch sang the National Anthem.