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Union Township marks Portugal Day with flag raising; festival set for June 26–27
Summary
Union Township officials and community leaders gathered for a Portugal Day flag-raising ceremony in which elected leaders praised Portuguese heritage and PACA representatives announced festival events for June 26–27 at the Columbus Club.
Union Township officials, state legislators and community organizers gathered for a Portugal Day flag-raising ceremony that highlighted the town’s Portuguese heritage and announced the weekend’s festival lineup.
Mayor Patricia Gara Frasier opened the ceremony by reading a passage attributed to Portuguese writer José Saramago and praising the community’s contributions. “In Portugal, every stone tells a story,” she said, and presented a proclamation to what was transcribed as “PACA Paka of Union,” asking the township committee to join for a photograph.
The gathering included State Senator Joseph Cryan, who urged residents to take part in Portugal Day activities and referenced both a World Cup viewing (June 17 at 1:00 p.m., as stated) and a newly established community home at 1620 Voxall Road. “On Portugal Day, everybody’s Portuguese,” he said, recalling recent parades and community events.
Commissioner Michelle Delisfort praised the way Portuguese families pass traditions to their children, saying it gives them pride and helps them “lift their heads with confidence.” Assemblywoman Anette (name transcribed variously in the record) offered congratulations on behalf of the New Jersey General Assembly and praised the community’s civic and cultural contributions.
Speaking for the Portuguese-American Club Association present at the ceremony, a PACA representative who identified herself as “Susanna Squera or Susanna Skada” described the organization as “a cultural home” that runs a Portuguese school and scholarship programs and invited residents to the festival. She announced the festival schedule as Friday, June 26, 7:00–11:30 p.m., and Saturday, June 27, 12:00–11:30 p.m., at the Columbus Club on Junet Avenue (as transcribed).
Organizers then called children and Portuguese-school participants to the lawn for the national anthem and proceeded with the flag-raising portion of the ceremony.
The festival weekend is the next major community event announced at the flag raising. Organizers and elected officials encouraged attendance and community participation at the Columbus Club events and related parade and viewing activities.
