20 June 2012 - A wreath-laying ceremony, headed by Philippine Ambassador to Mexico George B. Reyes and attended by the Philippine Embassy staff before the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Paseo de la Reforma in the morning of June 12, kicked off the celebration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Mexico.
The reception that followed at the Club Naval Norte was attended by approximately 200 guests representing the Mexican government as well as the diplomatic corps, the business sector, the media and the academe, with the veterans of the famous Squadron 201, the Mexican Air Force unit that participated in the liberation of the Philippines in World War II, as the guests of honor.
During his speech, Ambassador Reyes stressed that the Philippines and Mexico were closely linked from 1565 to 1820 by the Manila Galleon that served both as a vehicle for trade and as a bridge between the two peoples who exchanged their traditions, customs and culture.
He added that the traditions of the two peoples are so similar that the Filipinos feel at home in Mexico and vice versa.
The Ambassador also honored the Squadron 201 veterans for their bravery and their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the campaign to liberate the Philippines and expressed the hope that their spirit of solidarity would continue to characterize relations between the two countries.