This is the day that, in the past (and perhaps a handfull of loyal souls today) Mexican monarchists celebrated their independence. It was on this day in 1821 that the "Army of the Three Guarantees" led by General Don Agustin de Iturbide rode in triumph into Mexico City. By happy coincidence this was also the birthday of the Libertador Iturbide. Victory arches were erected to celebrate the arrival of the army, pledged to unity, independence and religion. The following day the independence of the first Mexican Empire was declared and in due course General Iturbide became Emperor Agustin I, the first head of state of an independent Mexico. Although the memory of the great Mexican who actually delivered the independence so many others talked and squabbled about may be largely ignored or even sneered at today, he is a far more worthy champion to celebrate than the majority of others who are, most of whom were driven by hatred, foreign influences, jealousy and ambition. In honor of the occasion I offer my own alternative Grito somewhat different from that offered by President Calderon on 16 September.Viva Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe!
Viva Independencia!
Viva Iturbide!
Viva el Gran Emperador!
Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico!
Truly more worthy indeed! And a Celebration ought ensue!
ReplyDeleteI don't want to cause tensions here, but you once told me that the Spanish colonies that fought for their independence were the product of sins, so isn't it a bit contradictory for you to celebrate the independence of Mexico? I mean, according to your views, Iturbide is similar to Napoleon, an usurper who took the throne from the rightful monarch.
ReplyDeleteJorge
I do not see it as a bit contradictory (and you are causing no tensions -this probably should have been explained). Iturbide had fought on the royalist side against the revolutionaries and only supported independence when Spain herself started to move more to the left. Yet, even then, he wanted independence while remaining united with the Spanish Crown. It was only after His Catholic Majesty Ferdinand VII refused the crown of Mexico and forbid any other Spanish prince to accept it did Iturbide, with the support of the Church, accept the expressed wishes of his army and people and ascend the throne as Emperor of Mexico. In this way he was quite dissimilar to Napoleon.
ReplyDeleteIt can also be seen in this way. Independence had become an established fact for Mexico. That being done and dusted the only options were Iturbide or the Masonic republicans. I would choose Iturbide. In the same way, if only given the choice between Napoleon or the Terror, I would choose Napoleon, usurper though he was.
Yes as a Mexican American I fully agree with you Mad Monarch. Plus Emperor Augustine returned from exile for his country knowing well Santa Ana would kill him. He was a brave patriot and sadly a forgotten hero.
DeleteYour explanation is excellent. My apologies.
ReplyDeleteJorge