Flag Raising Ceremony on Broadway – Bowling Green Park, Thursday, December 21, 2025

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December 12, 2024

On December 12, 2024

So, we did it again – erecting our Romanian flag for the first time in the history of New York City, in an official ceremony honoring the National Day of Romania. Because our values, religion, sacrifices, culture and traditions merit such honor!

Mayor Eric Adams canceled last minute his much-awaited appearance, due to an impromptu meeting with president-elect Donald Trump. Mr. Trump was in town for a NYSC bell ringing appearance, followed by an urgent meeting with Mr. Adams related the ongoing immigration crisis.

In spite of that, our group was honored by the presence of several high-ranking City Hall officials, as well as two UN ambassadors representing Romania, and respectively, the Republic of Moldova. They were – H.E. Mr. Cornel Feruta, and H.E. George Leuca. Mrs. Simona Mihaela Florea, the Consul General of Romania in New York, braved the freezing temperatures and stood two hours with the entire Romanian and American delegation to celebrate our December 1st anniversary.

Even for this seasoned Romanian affairs veteran, this was a touching moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life. No one could possibly doubt our love for God and country, especially the country that gave us so much and helped us become who we are today in our adoptive land, The United States of America.

As president of Romania American Business Council, I remain proud and honored to launch this initiative, the Flag Raising Day of Romania in New York City. This event will forever remain in the annals of the City of New York. The flag-raising ceremony has become an annual celebration and ritual in New York City, representing our Unification Day.

Special thanks go to the Chairman of the Bowling Green Association, Mr. Arthur Piccolo, who has worked tirelessly over the last 22 years to help me personally and our organization in promoting the Romania Day Festival on Broadway, as well as facilitating the venue for the Romania Day Flag.

Legendary singer and performer Lia Lungu delighted the audience with two Romanian Christmas songs.

Protosingelos Chesarie Bertea, of St. Mary Orthodox Church – Queens, gave the audience his blessings, followed by messages from Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, Mayor’s Office for International Affairs and by deputy Commissioner Marco Salgado, form the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Endless thanks to our Media Partner – RTN Chicago!

Will see you again – next year! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!