When Sierra Leone’s flag was raised in New York City to celebrate her 64th independence anniversary (See pictures)

Sierra Leone, on Sunday, April 27, 2025 held a Flag Raising Ceremony in New York City, United States of America (USA), to commemorate the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

The colorful event had in attendance dignitaries from New York City and beyond, and featured  the City’s Mayor, Eric Adams and officials from his office, as well as top Diplomats, officials of the Sierra Leonean government, her gorgeously dressed nationals and friends of the country.

On behalf of the country’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio and all Sierra Leoneans, Ambassador Michaela E. B. Swallow extended warm gratitude to Mayor Adams and the City of New York for their steadfast friendship and partnership.

Ambassador Swallow celebrated the deepening ties between Sierra Leone and NYC, highlighting shared commitments to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, security cooperation, and inclusive development.

She also underscored Sierra Leone’s call for greater people-centered diplomacy and invited New Yorkers to explore Sierra Leone’s vibrant culture, investment opportunities, and resilient spirit.

As the green, white, and blue flag of Sierra Leone was being raised, the expectations of the people for a brighter future built on unity, justice, and shared prosperity was also being raised on American soil.

Below excerpts of the statement of H.E Ms. Michaela E. B. Swallow at the well attended program

Today, as we raise the green, white, and blue flag of Sierra Leone over this iconic city, we do more than mark 64 years of independence—we honor the journey of a proud nation, forged in sacrifice, united by purpose, and committed to democratic progress.

On behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, and on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I bring you warm and fraternal greetings. We celebrate not only our sovereignty, but the deep and growing bonds between our Republic and the City of New York—a city that embraces the world, and which so many Sierra Leoneans call home.

We are profoundly grateful to the Mayor’s Office for the steadfast partnership with our diaspora community and for the bridges you continue to build between peoples, cultures, and values. Of particular note is the New York Police Department’s generous donation of 500 ballistic vests to Sierra Leone’s law enforcement in 2023—a gesture that transcends symbolism. It is a tangible expression of solidarity, anchored in shared ideals of security, peacebuilding, and public service.

The high-level courtesy visit of President Bio to Mayor Adams last September stands as also a testament to our mutual commitment to people-centered diplomacy. It reaffirmed our resolve to work together—on urban innovation, youth empowerment, climate resilience, and inclusive development. That moment marked not just bilateral cooperation, but a vision of global-local collaboration in action.

As Sierra Leone is almost halfway into its second year as a non-permanent member on the United Nations Security Council (2024–2025), we do so with humility, with clarity and with bold ambition. Our Council agenda which is anchored in Security Council Reform, Women and Youth in Peace and Security, the protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict and Peace building aligns seamlessly with New York City’s ethos of social justice, inclusive governance, and civic protection. In this great city, we see a microcosm of the world’s best hopes.

Sierra Leone also extends a heartfelt invitation to this city and its business leaders, innovators, and artists: come and discover a nation of possibilities. From our pristine beaches, our rich cuisine, rich biodiversity to a vibrant, youthful population and a digital transformation agenda—our country is open for responsible investment, meaningful partnership, and authentic cultural exchange. We are building—not just roads and institutions—but trust, opportunity, and a future of shared prosperity.

New York is more than a host to the United Nations; it is a global crossroad and within its neighborhoods live Sierra Leoneans whose excellence and contributions span hospitals, classrooms, startups, and city councils. Their stories are threads in the larger fabric of transatlantic fellowship. Their dignity, their courage, and their achievements give life to the ideals we raise in our flag today.

On this Independence Day, we not only raise our flag—we raise our expectations. We raise our hands in partnership. And we raise our voices for unity, justice, and mutual advancement. Let this flag serve not only as a symbol of our past but as a signal light toward our shared future.

On behalf of President Bio, our Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, our Mission to the United Nations, and all Sierra Leoneans, we thank you, Mayor Adams, for your friendship, your leadership, and your abiding commitment to global solidarity. May this moment deepen our bond—and may the spirit of this occasion echo in every partnership we forge ahead.