Second Independence Forum Held
"It is impossible for a people not to have a history, but it is possible that a people ignore its history"
W
ith a great turnout, at the Cecatur Auditorium downtown the second forum on the Mexican Independence, organized by the Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta, through the departments of Education and Art and Culture. The Forum was attended by an audience made largely of young students and educators from different institutions in town.
Coordinator of Civic Activities Professor Enrique Barrios y Limón, acted as moderator, and participating in the Forum were Professor Ana Patricia Garcia Arias, Professor manuel Gomez Encarnacion, Professor Fernando Davalos, Lieutenant William Hernandez Velazco, Professor Jose de Jesus Quintanar Villalvazo, and Professor Mariano Gonzalez Ramirez.
Each of the panel members talked about the aspects of the independence war that are more appealing to him or her. Different dates considered prior to the break up were commented, also anecdotes of the life of Miguel Hidalgo were recounted. Professor Patricia Garcia captured the audience’s ears by talking about myths as to who is to be called the forefather of the country; some agree that Agustin de Iturbide’s role was more important than that of Hidalgo.
The audience followed the forum with interest, it is expected that this type of event would motivate youth to research our country’s past, to show an interest about the facts that drove those men to go down in history. It is important to learn about the past in order to create a better future.
After the forum, the audience interacted with the members of the panel, and participated in a session of questions and answers. There is no doubt that it was an enriching evening that got everyone interested as to remembering the men and women who fought for Mexico to become and independent, sovereign nation.