[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15051]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to commemorate the 
Bicentennial and 201st anniversary of Mexican Independence Day, which 
occurred on September 16, 2011. As Mexicans everywhere celebrate the 
historic independence of Mexico from Spanish rule, this momentous day 
is significant because it represents a sign of justice and equality--
rights valued and protected in our great country of the United States. 
It also represents the day when Mexico was able to begin its quest for 
freedom for the people of that beautiful and spirited country. Our two 
countries will continue to make sure that the rights of the people come 
first.
  Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on the date that Father Miguel 
Hidalgo y Castillo, a priest in Dolores, Guanajuato, frustrated with 
Spanish rule, rang the church bell to gather the people of the town. 
Hidalgo ignited a fire among the listeners, requesting that the people 
of Mexico join him in rising up against Spanish rule. Just as the 
soldiers in the American Revolutionary War fought on behalf of our 
country, these courageous, patriotic men fought to gain the 
independence of their beloved Mexico. This event known today as Grito 
de Delores or ``Cry of Delores'' is joyfully celebrated every year on 
September 16 by Mexicans all over the world. The red, white, and green 
flag is proudly displayed on this day during festivities.
  El Centro Comunitario Mexicano, or as it is popularly known, CECOMEX, 
is one of the oldest active, not-for-profit organizations for Mexican 
Americans in my Congressional District and the City of New York. Under 
the leadership of Executive Director, Sandra Perez, it has worked 
independently as a community organization in my beloved East Harlem 
community, catering to the needs of our newcomers. I want to publicly 
thank them for all their work. I would also like to commend Carlos M. 
Sada, Consul General of Mexico in New York for all his hard work on 
behalf of Mexico. He continues to assist and protect the citizens of 
Mexico while facilitating trade and extending a cordial friendship with 
New York.
  The model of Father Miguel Hidalgo-Costilla's resolve and sacrifice 
for independence and liberty makes him an icon for what beleaguered 
peoples of the world need most today in their leaders. His martyrdom 
for Mexico and for the future of their republic can provide light upon 
all communities. Let's pay respects to those courageous men who fought 
on behalf of Mexico to help position the country where it is today.
  Mr. Speaker, let me conclude on this, Mexico's two hundred and first 
anniversary of independence, by vowing a renewed commitment between the 
United States and Mexico as both of our nations continue to confront 
the global issues of our time. I call upon my fellow Members of 
Congress to join me in celebrating Mexican Independence Day in honor of 
all the Mexican immigrants and descendents, not only in my district, 
but throughout this great nation and the world. Viva Mexico and may God 
and the Virgin of Guadalupe bless The United Mexican States and the 
United States of America.

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