Santo Domingo.- President Danilo Medina on Friday headed the National Assembly ceremony to kick off the festivities to mark the bicentennial of the birth of Founding Father Juan Pablo Duarte.
Medina arrived in Congress at 10am for the ceremony, which included speeches, songs and an anthem dedicated to Duarte.
In his speech Senate president Reinaldo Pared called Duarte Dominican Republic’s most visionary, exemplary and exceptional citizen, affirming that the Patrician is undoubtedly the man who materialized the Dominican nationality and who has guided the behavior for many since.
He said tomorrow Saturday, which marks 200 years since his birth, is reason for the Nation to celebrate a day of dignity, decorum, joy and patriotism.
"That should always be the treatment, to generously shower January 26 each year: Duarte eternal, Duarte permanent, Duarte always, Duarte infinite, Duarte imperishable, Duarte inexhaustible, finally, Duarte, greatest among the great.”