If you're wondering why City Hall has a Mexican flag flying in the place we usually don our Portland flag, it's because this afternoon, Randy and the Consul of Mexico, along with a few other onlookers, exchanged the Portland flag for the Mexican one in a show of solidarity with Mexico on it's 201st Anniversary of Mexican Independence. Randy read a proclamation as well, the same one he read at City Council yesterday morning, declaring September 15th to be a day of recognition in the City for Mexico's independence from Spain, much like our own independence from England on July 4th. There is a larger event in Pioneer Square today called El Grito to celebrate this Mexican holiday.
Oregon has represented new beginnings for many generations of Americans. Starting in the 1850s, Mexican immigrants began moving north to join others in building this state.
As farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and activists, the Mexican community has shaped Oregon and Portland.
Our relationship with Mexico is not defined strictly by immigration. Mexico is one of our largest trading partners at nearly $1 billion a year, and we hope to expand trade and cultural exchange.
¡Viva México!
Posted by Anna DiBenedetto
