Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag-Raising Ceremony for Croatia

May 22, 2023

Video available at: https://youtu.be/77XZcC0bwqo

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. And we know New York City is the Zagreb of America. The largest Croatian population in America is right here. And I know how beautiful the country is because years ago when I was in Croatia and watching a beautiful waterfront, watching how lovely the people are, watching how one can come there to just renew their energy and spirit. 

We thank the Croatian people here. You believe in family, you believe in business, and you believe in public safety. And so to our consul general, our ambassador, former president, just to have you here as we raise, for the first time, the flag here at Bowling Green, this is a symbol of the power and the strength of our country. And so when we raise the flag, we also raise and lift up this great country. I will wear this jersey proudly, and consider me to be a member of Team Croatia. Thank you so much.

So consul general. Whereas today's event also celebrates 30 years of the opening of the Croatian Consulate in New York City, and 31 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States of America and the Republic of Croatia, it also provides a wonderful occasion to highlight the rich heritage of our Croatian-American community. I look forward to the many ways everyone gathered will further invigorate New York as we take bold steps to get stuff done and forge a brighter, more inclusive and prosperous future for our global city. I, Eric Adams, mayor of the City of New York, do proclaim today Croatia Heritage Day.