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Mexican Skyline Tribute



This Thursday, September 6, 2007, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will join Manuel Rodriguez, Consul General of Mexico, to announce the 2007 Mexican Independence Day Chicago Skyline Tribute in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. 

 

The 3rd annual Chicago Skyline Tribute will once again illuminate Chicago�s skyline in red, white and green to honor Mexican-Americans, the people of Mexico and the colors of their flag.  Quinn and Consul General Rodriguez will be joined by Javier Salas, host of WRTO-AM�s �Un Nuevo Dia,� Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero), and many event organizers and supporters. 

 

Mexican Independence Day celebrates the 1810 revolt against Spanish rule led by Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo � who was inspired by George Washington � announced the cry for independence, also known as the �Grito de Dolores�.

 

�No matter how it translates, a cry for independence is universally understood,� Quinn said.  �When Mexico first uttered its cry for independence in 1810 � just over 30 years after our forefathers signed our Declaration of Independence � it was heard loud and clear in the United States.  And it still being heard today.� 

 

Every year, the cry or �el Grito� is reenacted throughout Mexico and within Mexican-American communities throughout the United States.  This year, the 197th anniversary of Mexican Independence Day will be highlighted by the biggest and brightest Chicago Skyline Tribute ever.

 

At least 21 Chicago buildings will be illuminated or decorated in red, white and green during the week of Sept. 10 through Sept. 16.  The neighborhoods of Pilsen and Little Village and the town of Cicero will also join in.  And there is still plenty of time for more building owners and managers to sign on.

 

             An estimated 20 million Mexican-Americans live in the United States. Nearly 550,000 Mexican-Americans live in Chicago, the second-largest home to Mexican-Americans in the United States.

 

In the past, Chicago�s skyline has been lit to honor the 4th of July, St. Patrick�s Day, Valentine�s Day, Halloween, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Polish Constitution Day and championship sports teams.