On Thursday, the Dominican Republic celebrated its 170th year of Independence from Haitian rule.

Dominican Independence Day is marked by festive celebrations of the country's rich culture and history. In honor of the holiday, Secretary of State John Kerry released a statement on behalf of President Obama congratulating the government and people of the Dominican Republic.

"The United States is proud of its thriving Dominican-American community. Each and every day, some 1.5 million Dominican-Americans contribute to our nation's economic vitality and culture while maintaining a deep connection with their Dominican roots," wrote Kerry in a statement, according to NewsRoomAmerica.

"In the spirit of friendship and mutual respect, the people of the United States are working with the people of the Dominican Republic on citizen security, economic opportunity, clean energy development, and respect for human rights," he continued.

Not only are Dominicans celebrating their day of independence, but the day falls within Dominican Heritage Month.

The City Hall in Waterbury, Conn. will celebrate the last day of the month with a special Dominican flag raising ceremony on Friday at noon. It will be hosted by the Waterbury Dominican Committee and take place at Waterbury City Hall on 235 Grand St.

The Dominico-American Society of Queens, Inc., a nonprofit organization created in 1993 in response to the educational, social and cultural challenges that hurt low income and immigrant communities, will host a traditional Dominican buffet, art exhibition, live music and dance.

This celebration of the Dominican Republic will be co-sponsored by NYC Council Member Julissa Ferreras. It will be held at Public School 19, on 98-02 Roosevelt Avenue, Corona, N.Y. Call 1-718-457-5395 for more details.

In addition, the Bronx Library Center will continue its celebration with an ongoing exhibit that features documents, news clippings, photos and poems by Hispanic writer Julia de Burgos (1914-1953). Curated by Carmen D. Lucca, President of The Association for Puerto Rican Hispanic Culture, Inc., the exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.