Representative Adriano Espaillat and Governor Kathy Hochul Announce the Lighting of Landmark Buildings Across New York in Recognition of Dominican Independence Day
NEW YORK, NY-- U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, today announced that prominent landmarks across New York State will be illuminated this evening in the blue, white, and red of the Dominican flag in recognition of Dominican Independence Day and in celebration of the vibrant Dominican community throughout New York.
“Dominican Independence Day marks a defining moment in our history and a celebration of the courage and determination that shaped our nation,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “As the first Dominican American to serve in the United States Congress, I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul in the lighting of landmarks across our state to honor the strength, resilience, and enduring contributions of Dominican New Yorkers. From Washington Heights to the Capital Region and beyond, our community continues to shape the cultural, economic, and civic life of this great state.”
“New York is home to the largest Dominican population outside of the Dominican Republic, and their leadership, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit are woven into the fabric of our state,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “By lighting our most iconic landmarks in the colors of the Dominican flag, we proudly recognize the profound impact Dominican Americans have made—and continue to make—across every sector of our society.”
The following landmarks will be illuminated this evening in recognition of Dominican Independence Day:
· 1WTC
· Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
· Kosciuszko Bridge
· The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
· State Education Building
· Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
· Empire State Plaza
· State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
· The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
· Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
· Albany International Airport Gateway
· MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
· Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
· Moynihan Train Hall
· Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
The illumination will take place at dusk and will serve as a visible tribute to Dominican heritage, history, and the deep and enduring ties between New York and the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Independence Day, observed annually on February 27, commemorates the Dominican Republic’s independence in 1844. New York State is home to more than one million Dominicans, making it the largest Dominican community outside of the Dominican Republic.
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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.
Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov