I am honored to address the readers of Elite+ magazine on occasion of the celebration of the 216th Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico.
In 1810, in the early hours of September 16, the priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the bells of the parish church in the town of Dolores. The bell toll was not to call the faithful to attend Mass; it was to spark the yearning for freedom, justice, and equality among the people. Bearing the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe and possessing unwavering courage, men and women from all walks of life resolved to break the chains of nearly three centuries of colonial rule.
For Mexicans, to remember this heroic feat is to pay tribute to the courage of our national heroes such as Ignacio Allende, José Maria Morelos y Pavón and Vicente Guerrero, as well as Josefa Ortíz and Leona Vicario. They did not merely dream of a free homeland; they sacrificed their lives for a free nation. Today we walk our land with our heads held high as a sovereign country.
Yet, the true meaning of this Anniversary is not about looking to the past, it is about understanding that independence is not a static moment in history, but a living process, that is built day by day. The freedom Mexicans enjoy today carries the responsibility to continue striving to build a better life for everyone, with peace, justice, prosperity, equality, freedom, inclusion and respect.
Today, Mexico is a vibrant nation, rich in culture, diversity and outstanding talent. The spirit of Dolores lives on in every Mexican who works honestly in every single part of the country and beyond our borders, where our diaspora keeps the pride of our roots alive. Being independent today means defending democracy, working for peace, protecting our land and building a future where well-being reaches every household.
As we commemorate this 216 Anniversary, we renew our commitment to the ideals of those known and unknown heroes that gave their lives for a free nation. May unity be our greatest strength and the love for our country the engine that drives us to a better future.
¡Viva la Independencia!
¡Viva México!
