FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Council President Nelson Esparza and Consul Titular Irma Pimentel Portilla hosted a Mexican Independence Day flag raising ceremony at Fresno City Hall on Wednesday.
The event celebrated Mexico’s independence and honored the longstanding ties between Mexico and the City of Fresno.
Council President Esparza was joined by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and council members Mike Karbassi and Brandon Vang.
“Today is more than marking a moment in history,” Mayor Dyer said. “It’s about celebrating culture.”
Honoring a heritage and recognizing the people who have made Fresno, the city it is today, the pioneers, trail blazers, those who fought for the cause, and Mexican culture is deeply woven into the fabric of our community.
Fresno City Hall hosts Mexican Independence Day flag raising (Photo: FOX26 Photojournalist Jordan Callison)
“You worked hard. You have sacrificed. You have built families, built businesses and built communities. And you have passed down the values and importance of hard work, family and faith to your children and grandchildren. And you have set a positive example for them. So today, as we raise the Mexican flag here at City Hall, I want you to know that we are not only celebrating the independence of Mexico,” said Dyer. “We are celebrating the history, the culture and traditions that you have brought with you and shared with our entire community. So thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to make Fresno a stronger, more vibrant and more beautiful place to call home.”
Council President Esparza said, “You know the celebration is personal for many of us. Our families came to this country, mine from Sacatecas Maegel, and like so many immigrant families, our story is one of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Our families came here, built a life, raised their families, and became part of the long history that the Central Valley and Fresno.
So when we raise the Mexican flag here at City Hall, we’re not only honoring a nation’s independence; we’re also recognizing the generations of Mexican families who have helped to build this city.
“Our city was built on generations of people who came here looking for opportunity for put down roots, raise their families,” said Esparza. “Serve their community and help shape the Fresno that we know today, and that work continues here in the city every day. And so today, as we raise the flag, hope we see it not only as a symbol of Mexico’s independence, but also as a symbol of the connection between our two communities and the contributions that Mexican and Mexican American families continue to make to Fresno to this day.”
Viva Mexico. Viva Fresno.