NEWYORK: New York city Mayor Eric Adams said that Switzerland was known for not only its neutrality, but its equity.
Speaking at flag-raising ceremony for Switzerland, Mayor Adams said that he was so proud to be the mayor that sees the importance of the relationship with Switzerland and how it played a significant role in not only the drafting of our constitution, but in the belief that we can live in a state of uniformity and equality.
“During a time where we believe that we have to prove each other’s wrong and believe that we have to look down on each other instead of lifting each other up, Switzerland gives us a clear reflection on the power of engagement, the power of understanding, the power of first let’s seek to understand so we would be understood,” Mayor Adams said.
“You should be proud to be Swiss. You should be proud to bring your contribution here to America. What is our secret weapon is the dash that sits between our name,” he said.
“We are not who we are because of a monolithic approach to life, we’re who we are because in this country we state that you bring your culture to marry with the underlying common denominator of being American. You’re not American Switzerland. I’m not American African, a Chinese is not American-Chinese. America said put your country first. You are Swiss American. I’m African American, Chinese American, Polish American, German American, and if you remove that dash from the middle of our name, we no longer have the product that we want to produce,” he said.
“No one has been here from the start, but our indigenous people, everyone arrived here to bring their culture, their commonality, their love, their respect, their nurturing, everything from your cheese to your food, culture, and dance came here to produce this great experiment of diversity. Raising your flag today is one of the most significant roles I can have as a mayor,” he said.
Mayor Adam said that a mayor is substantive and symbolism. “Substantive is to keep us safe, to educate our children, to build houses, to make sure that we’re able to move our subway system on time. But the symbolism is to raise flags, to raise your spirits, and let you know I see you. I acknowledge you. I know the importance of your contribution to this city and to this country,” he added.
