A flag-raising ceremony was held in Nassau County Monday to celebrate the Dominican Republic's Independence Day.

Monday marked the 179th anniversary of the country's independence from Haiti.

Local communities were joined by leaders at Hempstead Town Hall to raise the Dominican flag and sing the Dominican national anthem.

"The town of Hempstead, it's a melting pot for America,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin.

The event also featured group singing and dancing to highlight Dominican cultures.