CRAPO PROVIDES STATEMENT FOR FIESTA IDAHO

WASHINGTON, D.C. - At the request of the organizers of the 7th Annual Fiesta Idaho to be held at Lakeview Park in Nampa, Idaho, Senator Mike Crapo submitted a Congressional Record Statement noting the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution on September 16.

"On the morning of September 16, 1810, in Dolores, Guanajunto Mexico, Father Miguel Hidalgo, instead of delivering mass, rang the church bell and delivered a call to arms that has come to be known as "El Grito de Dolores," or, simply, "El Grito," said Crapo. "The armed Indians and mestizos, under the command of Hidalgo, fellow revolutionary Ignacio Allende and others, marched to the provincial capitol, Guanajunto, and, just two weeks after "El Grito," won a stunning battle with their then 20,000-strong army. After ten horrific years of fighting, Mexicans won their independence from Spain."

"Idahoans and other Americans of Mexican descent have a proud heritage in this early freedom fighter," added Crapo. "Much like the tradition of our American Founding Fathers, the seeds of revolution sprouted in the fertile soil of intellectual debate and a recognition of the inherent equality of all human beings regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. As people in Idaho and across the United States celebrate Mexico's independence and those young freedom fighters 200 years ago, parallels are strong with Mexican Americans today who are fighting to keep the United States free from terror here at home."

"We want to thank Senator Crapo for his support. His words are a good reminder that Mexican Americans have a proud history of defending freedom, and many do so today," said Alice Whitney, Chair, Fiesta Idaho 2007.

The Congressional Record Statement will be read at the event. Fiesta Idaho, a Hispanic folk life festival featuring Mexican folk art, food, games and a car show, will be held tomorrow, September 15, at Lakeview Park in Nampa.