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PrCA from Page 1 sirens and music filled the air .
The parade continued past Bellevue Avenue and onto Vine Street , where a special “ Celebration of Puerto Rican Culture ” ( Celebrando Nuestra Cultura ) ceremony began in front of town hall , where the flags of Puerto Rico and the United States were hoisted as Ruth Morales sang “ The Star Spangled Banner ,” and “ La Borinqueña ”— the National Anthem of Puerto Rico .
The word “ Borinquéña ” is an alternate form of “ Borinquén ,” which is another name used for Puerto Rico and is a derivation of “ Borikén ”— the name that was given to the island by its indigenous settlers from the Taíno nation .
According to St . Mary of Mt . Carmel Parish Parochial Vicar , the Rev . David Rivera , who led an invocational prayer during the ceremony , a lot of that pride is due to the fact that “ Borinquen ” translates to “ Land of the good king ” ( Jesus Christ ), which he said exemplifies the key role faith and religion play in Puerto Rican heritage .
“ Who ’ s that good king for us ? Our Lord , Jesus Christ ; he is the only true , good king . And so , we dedicate our turning to our Lord Jesus Christ this week , to this heritage ,” Rivera said .
This year marks the 40th year that the PRCA of Hammonton has hosted “ Puerto Rican Heritage Week ,” which Rivera said is also an opportunity for the people of Hammonton to proudly celebrate every Hispanic culture and heritage .
“ May this not only be a week of Puerto Rican heritage , but for all Latinos to be proud of their cultures , to bring that here to this place ,” Rivera said .
PRCA of Hammonton Vice President Edwin Negroni addressed the large crowd in front of town hall during the ceremony , and thanked the residents , government officials , businesses and religious organizations of Hammonton that have supported the PRCA throughout its six decades of operating as a local civic association — especially in recent years , when the PRCA of Hammonton received many community donations after it
Wednesday , August 29 , 2018 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Puerto rican Civic Association begins 40th festival
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sought to send aid to Puerto Rico in the wake of the widespread damage and loss of life caused by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 .
“ It is citizens like you that inspired me , the new generation , in joining organizations such as ours . Your clothes , your food , your medicine , your monetary donation assisted all those in need in our homeland of Puerto Rico . So , I request a round of applause for this community ,” Negroni said . According to PRCA of Hammonton President Gladys Torres , the PRCA was able to fill about five large truck trailers with hurricane relief supplies due to the support of the community . Torres said the PRCA of Hammonton has always greatly benefitted from the devoted community support , regardless of whether it was for a matter as serious as Hurricane Maria .
“ The community has been a tremendous support … When we ’ re in need , they ’ re always there . It ’ s wonderful ,” Torres said .
In addition to recognizing the community ’ s efforts in supporting the PRCA of Hammonton ’ s cause and core values , Negroni and Torres also recognized PRCA of Hammonton Founder and Past President Fernando “ Freddy ” Melendez , who devoted many years of his life to helping Puerto Rican immigrants during his time with the association , and inspired many Puerto Rican residents to become involved in civic duties .
Negroni and Torres presented Melendez with a plaque in recognition of his many years of service with the PRCA of Hammonton .
Mayor Stephen DiDonato participated in the ceremony by raising the American flag , and gave thanks to the PRCA of Hammonton ’ s members in attendance , as well as everyone else who collectively works to give back to the people of Puerto Rico while celebrating Puerto Rican heritage in Hammonton .
“ I would just like to welcome those from out of town , those who live in Hammonton . Thank you for your commitment to this great town and this great country , and thank you for your commitment to Puerto Rico . God bless each and every one of you ,” DiDonato said .
Negroni closed the ceremony with a call to action , insisting that every single resident and community organization strive to help those in need because when a community unites as one , there is no limit to the amount of good that can be done .
“ I urge every one of you here today to continue helping those in need . And those could be , today , you , myself , your neighbor or any- See CELEbrAtION , Page 10
DiMeglio Septic , Inc .
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