It’s customary for the City of Utica to raise the Bosnian, Polish and Irish flags, complete with a ceremony, each year to honor those communities pride in their heritage.
On Friday, the city added another flag to its annual rotation: the LGBTQ Pride flag. The flag, flown in recognition of Pride Month, was raised before a collection of community members and local dignitaries including Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri Councilperson Celeste Friend and former Congressman Anthony Brindisi.
Deputy City Clerk David Butler was the primary speaker at the ceremony, which was held at the Hanna Stage in front of City Hall. The first-time flying of the Pride flag was meaningful to Butler.