posted 05-24-2006 12:01 PM               

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The Bronx, NY – May 22, 2006 – This morning, Congressman José E. Serrano announced that the Dominican flag will fly into space on the next NASA space shuttle flight. On hand for the announcement were Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat, Councilman Miguel Martinez, and other local Dominican leaders.

"I am very glad that NASA agreed to my request to take the Dominican flag into space on the shuttle in July," Serrano said. "It is a very fitting honor for all that the Dominican people have done for the United States both as citizens and as a neighboring nation. Their contributions in the arts, literature, sports, and culture cannot be overlooked, especially in a city like New York. The flag representing their identity deserves this honor."

"I am also very happy that my friends and colleagues, Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat and Councilman Miguel Martinez were able to join me for this announcement. I salute them for their bold and positive leadership in the Dominican community.

"I intend to place the flag on permanent display at Hostos Community College in the Bronx along with the Puerto Rican flag that made this same flight a few years ago. I hope that all Dominican and Puerto Rican people who see the flags there will feel a sense of pride and honor at the symbol of their communities’ achievements."

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The red and blue flag -- marked by a broad white cross and the national seal -- will either be aboard Discovery in July or Atlantis in August, NASA spokesman Dean Acosta said.

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posted 05-25-2006 12:37 AM               

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Originally posted by Rodina:
This is news why, exactly? NASA flies all kinds of flags all the time.

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Well, because the Congressman set up a press conference, of course!

I doubt there would be a press conference for flying a Canadian flag or a flag from the UK, for example.