September 13, 2007

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I would like to take this opportunity to join President Bush in congratulating the Mexican people on the commemoration of the 197th anniversary of the independence of Mexico. Every year the people of Mexico memorialize Padre Miguel Hidalgo’s call for independence, known as “El Grito,” in the Zocalo of Mexico City on the eve of the 16th of September. During this festive occasion the world sees the pride Mexican people take in celebrating their freedoms as a democratic people and nation. Once again, congratulations to the Mexican nation on their independence day, Viva Mexico!

In the United States, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. During this time we celebrate the achievements of Hispanic Americans and the significant role they play in our country. We also join together to recognize the proud history and rich culture of Hispanic Americans, many of whom are Mexican-Americans. Please join me in observing this month to honor the hard work and determination of Hispanic Americans who continue to make a positive impact on every part of our American society.

Click here to read President Bush's proclamation of National Hispanic Heritage Month

In yet another example of close coordination between U.S. and Mexican authorities, I am proud to report that five arrests were made on September 6, 2007 in Colorado and Texas of individuals involved in the illegal international trade of protected sea turtles and other wildlife. The U.S. Department of Justice called this joint operation a, “significant milestone in the ongoing cooperation between United States and Mexican law enforcement agencies with respect to protecting both countries’ wildlife and natural resources.”

To find out more about these arrests, click here

On September 10-14, the Fifth International Seminar, ‘“Mexico-United States: Hague Convention on Norms of International Legal Procedures on Child Abduction,’” is taking place in Xalapa-Veracruz, Mexico City, and Oaxaca, Oaxaca. These seminars are focused on sharing legal direction and insight on the international norms associated with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a multilateral treaty of which the U.S. and Mexico are signatories. Various U.S. speakers including the Honorable Judge Hiram Puig Lugo, Raquel Gonzalez, the Deputy Attorney General from California, Stephanie Robinson from the Department of State’s Office of Children's Issues, and others are participating in this seminar. This valuable gathering will open up dialogue about the legal ramifications of the Hague Convention and most importantly how to best assist and protect children that have been abducted across international borders.

Click here for more on Hague Convention abduction issues

The U.S. Embassy supported a first-of-its-kind, four-day training program from September 3-6 for Mexican shelter professionals and agencies who work in victims’ assistance. Three U.S. experts in the field from Casa de Esperanza led the training and network-building exercises for over 40 participants from shelters all over Mexico. The primary goal of the program was to allow shelter professionals to share their experiences and establish ties with others in their field to improve support services for victims of domestic violence. Themes of the conference included: techniques for supporting victims, fundraising, understanding victims’ decisions and the behavioral effects of abuse. The Embassy values its role in this initiative and appreciates the cooperation we have received from both sides of the border in this effort.

Lastly, on September 11 the Embassy community gathered to commemorate the attacks of 2001.  Some have suggested that it is no longer appropriate to commemorate 9-11; that six years have passed and that we should now let it go. I would say to them that we must remember history, that we must remember those who lost their lives, and that we must value the freedom that we are so fortunate to have each day.

Click here to read more about the commemoration ceremony

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to share with you information about the important bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States. May God bless both our great nations.

Sincerely,

Antonio O. Garza, Jr.

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