Courtesy Photo | Mexican Gen. Gerardo Vega Garcia (left), and Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen....... read more read more
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The top American military official arrived here today to take part in ceremonies commemorating Mexico's independence from Spain in 1810.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers is attending El Grito celebrations Sept. 16 in this capital city. He is also holding conversations with Mexican military leaders to enhance dialogue between the two neighbors.
This is the second time in a row that the chairman has attended El Grito. The term translates to "the cry" for independence. It marks the day that Father Miguel Hidalgo proclaimed, and launched the war for, independence. The day starts with the bells in the churches and cathedrals ringing at the stroke of midnight.
Also attending the celebrations are Adm. Vern Clark, chief of naval operations; Gen. Paul Kern, head of Army Materiel Command; and other civilian and military leaders.
Mexican President Vicente Fox is hosting the international members.
The Mexican armed forces do not have a comparable position to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. Gerardo Vega Garcia represents the army and air force in the Mexican cabinet, and Myers met with him soon after arriving.
Officials said military-to-military cooperation between Mexico and the United States is small but important. The chairman's conversations are meant to enhance the cooperation between the two countries.
Myers will leave following a military parade Sept. 16 to honor Mexican independence, and will travel to Poland, Hungary, Bosnia and Kosovo before returning to Washington.
Story by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2003 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2025 01:57 |
| Story ID: | 533053 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 0 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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