Highlights the Significance of Puebla in Mexico’s History and National Sovereignty
The City of Puebla witnessed a historic event as Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, headed the Civic-Military Commemorative Ceremony and Parade for the 163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
Key Participants
- Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico
- Alejandro Armenta, Governor of Puebla
- Federal authorities
- State cabinet members
- Presidents of the legislative and judicial powers
The ceremony took place at the Mausoleum of Ignacio Zaragoza, where Sheinbaum presided over the solemn act for the first time in history. She also swore in cadets of the National Military Service (SMN) and, alongside Armenta and other officials, placed a floral offering at the site of the heroic battle.
Sheinbaum’s Speech
In her address, Sheinbaum emphasized that the Battle of Puebla in 1862 symbolizes resistance and defense of the homeland, highlighting that it’s a glorious message from the Mexican people about their heroic defense of independence.
“The 5th of May reminds us that Mexico’s present and future are as a free, independent, and sovereign nation, for that is the history of generations who have given their lives and many others who will always be willing to give their lives for the love of our history.” – Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico
Sheinbaum passionately concluded her speech with a rousing call to action, emphasizing national sovereignty and the Battle of May 5th.
Governor Armenta’s Message
Alejandro Armenta, the Governor of Puebla, reinforced the sentiment of identity and patriotism while reaffirming the commitment to preserving national sovereignty. He addressed neoconservative attempts to revert to the era of national resource exploitation, stating that under the Fourth Transformation, the state aims to eliminate privileges and promote social well-being.
“We fight to eliminate privileges and strengthen the right of Mexicans to decide their internal affairs, we fight for a country with energy and economic sovereignty, food sovereignty, technological and scientific sovereignty. The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum establishes this order, which means eradicating privileges, reducing inequalities, stimulating internal development for the benefit of Mexicans, and equitably redistributing resources while investing in public works without extravagance, as well as democratizing the judicial power to serve the people.” – Alejandro Armenta, Governor of Puebla
Parade Details
The parade began at the Mausoleum of Ignacio Zaragoza and concluded on Bulevar 5 de Mayo. It featured participants from the Heroic Military College, Special Forces, and the Navy Secretariat, along with flag-carrying groups, infantry units, and mounted divisions. Various educational institutions and charro associations also took part.
- 2,864 military personnel from the Army, Air Force, and National Guard
- Military formations: Heroic Military College, Air Force School, Military Nursing School, Military Engineering School, among others
- Horses, armored vehicles, and 9 T6C aircraft from the Mexican Air Force
A total of 11 educational institutions participated with floats, including the Benemérito Normal State Institute, the National Institute of Professional Technical Education (Conalep), and schools like Niños Héroes de Chapultepec and Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada de Acatzingo.
- 21 educational institutions participated with students, teachers, and administrative staff
- 12,500 students in total
The parade involved 13,575 participants from the educational system, charro associations, and military institutions. It featured 14 war flags, 3,353 members of the armed forces and National Guard, and 225 participants from Zacapoaxtla, Xochiapulco, and Tetela.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who led the 163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla Celebration? Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president.
- What is the significance of the Battle of Puebla? It symbolizes resistance and defense of Mexico’s homeland, representing a glorious message about the heroic defense of independence.
- What did Governor Alejandro Armenta emphasize in his message? He stressed the importance of eliminating privileges, promoting social well-being, and achieving energy, economic, food, technological, and scientific sovereignty under the Fourth Transformation.