Page 4 • Wednesday , September 1 , 2021 • The Hammonton Gazette
Annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture and pride
PRCA , from Page 1 cession .
“ I didn ’ t want any of our seniors — or young men and women — with this COVID to get sick , so we came directly to town hall ,” Torres told The Gazette .
The Rev . David Rivera , pastor of St . Mary of Mt . Carmel Parish , explained further .
“ We had a wonderful Mass as normal , but , due to the weather , they decided to skip the procession from the church and came directly here . That ’ s why we started a little early ; everyone was already in place , and our dignitaries were all here ,” Rivera said .
Indeed , the ceremony , scheduled for 2 p . m ., began at approximately 1:38 p . m . with Torres welcoming those in attendance before handing the microphone to Rivera for the opening prayer , which he offered first in Spanish then in English .
“ We are gathered today to give you thanks for the civic society of Puerto Ricans . They come to share their culture with this town , to make this place more true — more American — and be more accepting of other cultures . We may share our gifts to build up a better town and a better nation . Watch over them as they continue to be in this town and share with all of us the gifts and the blessings of our Puerto Rican culture ,” Rivera said .
Rivera also offered a prayer for those lost in the recent attacks in Afghanistan .
“ In a special way at this moment , though , we ’ d like to pray also for all those who died in Afghanistan — our soldiers and also the civilians . We ask for peace , Lord , for conversion . Total rest grant unto them , O Lord , and let perpetual light shine upon them . May they rest in peace ,”
THG / Joseph F . Berenato . To purchase photos in The Gazette , call ( 609 ) 704-1940 .
Kevin Gehringer , Hilda Roman , Brooklynn Conley , Virgie Conley and Dianne Dudek had a good time at the Puerto Rican Festival .
THG / Joseph F . Berenato . To purchase photos in The Gazette , call ( 609 ) 704-1940 .
Gladys Torres ( third from right ) holds the proclamation she received from town
council . Gathered with Torres are ( left to right ) Mayor Stephen DiDonato , Councilman Jonathan Oliva , Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel , Atlantic County Fifth District Commissioner James Bertino , N . J . State Sen . Dawn Addiego ( D-8 ), Councilman William Olivo , Councilman Tom Gribbin and Council-
Rivera said .
After Rivera ’ s benediction , Torres introduced Kevin Gehringer to sing “ The Star-Spangled Banner ,” followed by Brooklyn Conley , who sang “ La Borinqueña ,” the colonial anthem of Puerto Rico . Conley was accompanied on guitar by Jose Aponte . During that performance , the Puerto Rican flag was raised . Mayor Stephen DiDonato then took to the dais .
“ I ’ ll make it quick , because it ’ s miserable and rainy , but God bless you all on this wonderful day . Thank you for everything you do for our great community . God bless you ,” DiDonato said .
DiDonato then turned the microphone over to Councilman Tom Gribbin .
“ It ’ s always an honor to join our Puerto Rican community here in Hammonton — all of our neighbors — on this day ,” Gribbin said . Gribbin echoed Rivera ’ s sentiments , and expanded on them .
“ I would like to have us all take a moment of silence to remember the 13 servicemen and women who perished on Thursday ’ s attack in Afghanistan , and also , as I know is dear to many of the hearts of us here , several years ago , Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico . Today , our American brothers and sisters in Louisiana will be dealing with Hurricane Ida , and I want to keep them in our prayers as well ,” Gribbin said .
Gribbin then presented Torres and the PRCA with a proclamation from town council , reading that the “ Puerto Rican Civic Association has and continues to promote the town of Hammonton with their annual Puerto Rican festival .”
“ The Puerto Rican Civic Association has and continues to pro- man Joseph Giralo .
mote cultural and community awareness in Hammonton ... The Puerto Rican community has a deep and rich heritage in Hammonton ,” Gribbin read .
Gribbin said that the mayor and town council “ do hereby declare today , August 20 , 2021 as Puerto Rican Day .”
Torres said that it was an honor to “ accept that beautiful proclamation .”
“ It ’ s well-deserved by our Puerto Rican and Hispanic community . We are no longer just Puerto Rican ; now , we are a mix of Hispanic cultures and many other cultures . I thank the town of Hammonton for allowing us to continue having this beautiful festival and their continuing support for our community ,” Torres said .
Torres said that , like so many others , the PRCA has “ suffered ” during the pandemic .
“ We have not been able to raise the funds that we need to finish our roof on the kitchen renovation . So , I ask you to please come and visit us . Patronize us . We need your help ,” Torres said .
Torres was followed by N . J . State Senator Dawn Addiego ( D- 8 ), who presented Torres with a resolution from the state senate . Addiego read the resolution , which stated that the New Jersey Senate is “ pleased to salute the people of Hammonton , Atlantic County , as they hold a special Puerto Rican flag-raising cere-
See FEStIVAL , Page 10