Uzbek flag on Wall Street

August 31, 2011

On August 31, New York’s Wall Street, the megacity’s financial center, hosted a ceremony to raise the flag of Uzbekistan in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the country’s independence. Organized by the Fund Forum and the General Consulate of Uzbekistan, the ceremony was attended by around 200 people, including officials of several public organizations, the business community, journalists and members of the Uzbek diaspora many of whom were dressed in national clothes.

A representative the New York Mayor’s Office, read Mayor Bloomberg’s address on the occasion of Uzbekistan’s independence anniversary, extending congratulations to Uzbek people and wished the country further prosperity and success. In his turn, a high-ranking official of New Jersey State, which is home to a large Uzbek diaspora, read a congratulatory address on behalf of the governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, on the occasion of Independence Day in Uzbekistan.

Following the addresses, the national anthem of Uzbekistan was played as the flag of Uzbekistan was raised on the 15-meter tall flagpole. Those gathered were then entertained with national Uzbek songs and dances performed by Registan creative group which had arrived in New York to contribute to the celebration.

The event drew the attention of a large number of tourists and New York residents who were provided with colorful booklets and brochures about Uzbekistan’s cultural and historical legacy and modern life in the country.