FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — On Wednesday morning at Fresno City Hall, the Mexican flag was raised in honor of Mexican Independence Day, a moment that was near and dear to the hearts of many.<\/p>\n
Over 200 years ago, on September 16th, 1810, the ringing of a bell in Mexico marked the start of an 11-year war for independence.<\/p>\n
Despite the effort taking over a decade, the day the call to action happened became one of the most symbolic dates for Mexico.<\/p>\n
It was celebrated on Wednesday morning at Fresno City Hall, where the Mexican flag was proudly raised.<\/p>\n
“We are not only celebrating the independence of Mexico, but we are also celebrating the history, the culture, the traditions that you have brought with you and shared with our entire community,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer.<\/p>\n
City leaders, along with Consul Irma Pimentel Portilla, shared a few words, emphasizing the power of honoring a historic day for Mexico in Fresno.<\/p>\n
“As the flag rises today, let it serve as a reminder of our shared values, unity, and our commitment to an inclusive future. Let us keep working together so every family in this region can thrive,” Irma Pimentel Portilla.<\/p>\n
Mayor Jerry Dyer reminded everyone that Mexican culture is woven into the Central Valley in more ways than one.<\/p>\n
“You see it in our neighborhoods, in our businesses, in our food, music, our families and in traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next,” Dyer said.<\/p>\n
As a Mexican American man, Luis Chavez says it’s symbolic moments like this ceremony that always hit home…highlighting the hard work seen yearly within the agricultural community.<\/p>\n
“I think for me, it’s a symbol of being empowered and how important our community is. Fresno County generated 9 billion last year in agriculture economy and a lot of that, 90% was the immigrant labor force,” said Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez.<\/p>\n
The event also honored the famous traditional grito: “VIVA MEXICO.”<\/p>\n
Two words that were shouted on the night when the long battle for independence began.<\/p>\n
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