Lt. Governor Quinn participates in Mexican Independence Day celebration

CHICAGO - September 15, 2008. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn joined with Consul General of Mexico, Manuel Rodriguez Arriaga, at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park for the Mexican Independence Day "El Grito" celebration. 

"Each year, El Grito is reenacted throughout Mexico and within Mexican-American communities across the United States," Quinn said. "I am proud to join with our Mexican-American community to mark this 198th anniversary of Mexico's historic independence."

Mexican Independence Day recognizes the 1810 revolt led by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, against Spanish the colonial government.  On September 16, 1810, Father Hidalgo made the "El Grito de Dolores," or "the cry for independence."   

The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois has hosted this event for more than 39 years.  Lt. Governor Quinn also served as the Marshal of the Civic Society's Mexican Independence Day Parade this year.

For more information, please visit StandingUpForIllinois.org.