Consul General Maria del Pilar Cruz Silva of the Consulate General of Colombia in Newark addresses the audience as the keynote speaker.

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the County of Bergen in partnership with the Bergen County Latino American Advisory Board, hosted its Annual Colombian Independence Day Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony in the Public Meeting Room of One Bergen County Plaza.

Colombian Independence Day is celebrated on July 20th each year to commemorate the date in 1810 when Colombian revolutionaries declared their independence against the Spanish. County Executive Tedesco issued remarks praising the influence of the Colombian American community, and acknowledged the great diversity of Bergen County.

“We are grateful for the contributions and positive influence of the more than 20,000 Colombian Americans who call Bergen County home,” said County Executive Tedesco. “Here, we recognize that our greatest strength is our diversity and our ability to celebrate that diversity. As a society, we are strongest when we come together and uplift one another.”

Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Bergen County Commissioner Thomas Sullivan, and local officials stand as Maria del Pilar Cruz Silva, Consul General of the Consulate General of Colombia in Newark, holds a proclamation and “The Key to Bergen County”.

County Executive Tedesco issued a proclamation recognizing July 20th as Colombian Independence Day. The proclamation, as well as a ceremonial “Key to Bergen County”, were presented to Maria del Pilar Cruz Silva, Consul General of the Consulate General of Colombia in Newark. Consul General Cruz served as the keynote speaker.

Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Germaine M. Ortiz delivered closing remarks: “I am proud to be here as the daughter of Colombian parents,” said Chairwoman Ortiz. “Today, we are not only celebrating Colombia's independence but also the rich culture, traditions, and spirit that define our community.”

Attendees enjoyed vocal performances by Hackensack resident Michelle Galvis. Refreshments were donated by Colombia Bakery, Valley Bank, and La Costena Market.

Michelle Glavis of Hackensack stuns the audience with her vocal performance at Bergen County’s Colombian Independence Day Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony at One Bergen County Plaza.