[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEXICO'S REVOLUTION AND 200TH 
                      ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

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                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mexico's 
bicentennial celebration in honor of the 200th anniversary of its 
independence and the 100th anniversary of its revolution. Today, I wish 
to commemorate Mexico's celebrations along with the people of the 5th 
district.
  Mexico's Independence Day celebrates the successful war for 
sovereignty from Spain. Influenced by America's war of independence--
Miguel Hidalgo, one of Mexico's most revered heroes--changed the course 
of Mexico's history with the Cry of Dolores, the call to his people to 
revolt against centuries of oppression from the Spanish Crown. Heroes 
such as Ignacio Allende and Jose Maria Morelos joined Hidalgo in the 
movement. Although Mexico did not become fully independent until 1821, 
today marks the anniversary of Sept. 15, 1810, the beginning of the 
struggle that led to the birth of modern Mexico.
  Mexico's bicentennial festivities also honor the 100th anniversary of 
Mexico's Revolution. The Revolution started in 1910 in response to the 
social and economic injustices of the autocracy in Mexico. Leaders such 
as Francisco Madero, Francisco ``Pancho'' Villa and Emiliano Zapata led 
the lengthy and arduous fight for democracy. The end of the revolution 
led to a new constitution and Mexico's values of liberty, equality and 
justice were restored.
  My hometown of Chicago has the second largest Mexican population of 
any city in the United States. To honor two of Mexico's most historic 
events, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaimed 2010 The Year of 
Mexico. The city of Chicago will be participating in three annual 
Mexican Independence Day parades: the famous 26th Street celebration, 
as well as others in the Pilsen neighborhood and downtown Chicago.
  Madam Speaker, Mexico's anniversaries not only keep the memories of 
Mexico's liberators alive, these celebrations also honor Mexico's pride 
and patriotism. On this day, I am proud to join the people of my 
district and those of Mexican descent in celebrating Mexico's 
bicentennial.

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