Event reminds of Cinco de Mayo history
CALEXICO — Consul Carlos Flores Vizcarra of the Mexican Consulate here eloquently explained the broader meanings of the Cinco de Mayo holiday to a hushed and respectful crowd here Wednesday.
Marking the day Mexican troops forced an invading French army to withdraw from the battleground of Puebla de Los Angeles on May 5, 1862, Mexican nationals everywhere but especially in the U.S. celebrate not only a triumph but pride in the sovereignty of their nation.
This day is not Mexican Independence Day, as some mistakenly believe, which is actually celebrated on Sept. 16.
Consul Vizcarra cautioned that too many people believe aggression is an isolated incident but actually grows out of a series of escalating provocations with deeper historical context. The reason France invaded Mexico is because Mexico was struggling to repay a debt to several nations which it already negotiated terms of repayment with Spain and Great Britain, yet only France chose to respond with aggression.
After Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, it’s province of Texas rebelled and fought a costly war of independence. Fifteen years later when the French marched in it marked one of the earlier geo- political tensions in Latin America.
Mexico’s neighbor, the U. S., was preoccupied fighting a civil war with the rebellious Confederacy. Yet once the Union prevailed in victory it came to the aid of its southerly neighbor and loyal troops of Mexican President Benito Juarez drove the French invaders out of Mexico.
It is important to remember that Mexico places a premium on negotiation rather than belligerence, Vizcarra reminded the audience.
This underlies the importance and reason why Mexico and the U.S. have maintained cordial relations for so many decades, he added.
“Also, it is important to represent ourselves as a region with common interests and have an enhanced concept of this region to collaborate on issues of trade that benefits both nations, the end result of which is NAFTA,” said Vizcarra.
John Renison, Imperial County District 1 supervisor, also attended the outdoor ceremony. He remarked that, being on the border, it was an honor to share in celebration.
“We’re fortunate to have the Consulate here at our backdoor to help citizens living in the exterior with essential needs such as passports, health and education,” Renison said.
Cinco de Mayo is important on the Mexican side of the border, noted Javier Gonzalez, commissioner with the Calexico Financial Advisory Board, because it is important to never forget the historical significance of Mexico repelling an invader. He then quoted then Mexican President Juarez: “Peace is the respect for other’s rights.”
“We got to respect each other’s political opinions here in Calexico, because we’re taking things way too personal,” said Gonzalez. Esther Flores, also in the audience noted the two most significant Mexican holidays were Independence Day and Revolution Day on Nov. 20.
“But we remember Cinco de Mayo because we need to remind our children of its historical significance,” she said.