Mexico's Day of the Children Heroes

In Mexico, just as in the United States and every where else in the world, kids like to eat candy. Me? Not so much. But, this is almost a universal truth among the world’s youngsters, kids and candy go together and one could even say, they were made for each other.

One thing that is always needed here at the mission base, church and all of Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission’s outreaches, is candy which is used to help us bless the children that come to our services. Of course, that’s a lot of sweet treats every month.

One day in particular, where candy and piñatas come in to play is April 30th, the Day of The Child in Mexico. Lots of famous people were born on this special day, for example-Eve Arden was born on April 30, 1909, Koningin Juliana was born on April 30, 1909 and Cloris Leachman was born on April 30, 1926 even Willie Nelson was born on April 30, 1933 and then Gary Collins was born on April 30, 1938. The list goes on! But, in Mexico this day celebrates some of Mexico’s young men who did a heroic act back in 1848. The President of Mexico then was Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, certain strong winds are named after him, at that time, President James Polk had sent U. S. troops to Mexico wanting to take possesion of some new lands for the expansion of American territories. Polk’s soldiers came to Veracruz, Mexico, and battled at Chapultepec, where there was a military school. During this battle six young Mexican soldiers gave their lives for their country, Juan de la Barrera, Juan Escutia, Agustín Melgar, Fernando Montes de Oca, Vicente Suárez, y Francisco Márquez, all of which were between 13 and 17 years of age. The captain of the American forces declared that these soldiers were just ‘children,’ and from then on, these men were known as the Children Heroes.

Mexico celebrates the soldier’s lives and commemorates their valor on the 30th of April, with parades, military shows and has special songs and tributes in memory of these young men. In San Vicente and with all of our outreaches, we too, try hard to celebrate Mexico’s holidays along with those universally recognized by the world. It’s always wonderful to have sweets, cakes, pies, jell-o and even pudding to help the boys and girls we reach know that they are appreciated and celebrated by those of us who live and work at the mission base and by those who come and join with us in celebrating them.

Thanks to all that help support this ministry and its work here in Mexico. It’s a blessing to have your help and a joy to see how the children smile and enjoy the sweet gifts you send down to them. God Bless You All!