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¡Felicidades! El Salvador on Your 193rdYear of Independence
Today, all of El Salvador is celebrating and rejoicing its 193-year old independence from Spain. The Spanish arrived in the 1500’s and stayed for nearly 300 years as it colonized the region, enslaved native populations and decimated the island with smallpox. The fight for independence started in 1811 with numerous uprisings against Spanish rule and concluded in 1821 when El Salvador declared itself independent from Spain as did four other Central American countries.
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America with a proud history of struggle and success. After numerous military regimes, coups and a civil war in 1980 the country is moving forward with economic reforms and democratically held elections.
Today the country’s estimated 7 million residents start to celebrate early with students and their teachers march all around the capital city singing folk songs and dancing traditional dances. Independence heroes such as Father Jose Matias Delgado and Manuel Jose Arce are honored with patriotic parades and festivities.
President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry send their regards to the people of El Salvador:
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to the people of El Salvador as you celebrate your independence.
I became familiar with your beautiful country as a freshman U.S. Senator. Today, the ties between the United States and El Salvador are stronger than ever through our work together to create a more secure and prosperous El Salvador under the Partnership for Growth.
Our cooperation demonstrates how our shared values can produce progress that benefits both of our countries. We look forward to working with President Sanchez Ceren and his administration in the coming months and years.
From the Costa del Sol to the mountains of Chalatenango, may this Independence Day be a celebration of El Salvador and the strength and dignity of your people.
Published in Latino Daily News
Source: http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/latino-daily-news/details/felicidades-el-salvador-on-your-193rdyear-of-independence/31156#When:14:41:08Z
