Puerto Vallarta Honors the Heroic Niños Héroes at El Pitillal Plaza

In a ceremony filled with emotion and symbolism, Puerto Vallarta commemorated the 177th anniversary of the heroic defense of Chapultepec by the Niños Héroes on September 13. The event took place at the roundabout where their busts stand in El Pitillal plaza, led by Mayor Francisco José Martínez Gil, alongside military authorities who placed a floral offering at the altar of the homeland in their memory.

Around 300 people gathered in the plaza, including students from elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as local residents who paused to honor the flag and remember the young heroes who gave their lives defending against the U.S. invasion of 1847.

By 8:00 AM, troops from the Mexican Navy, the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), and sailors from the Naval Zone took their places, drawing admiration from the children and youth in attendance. Nearby streets were closed to traffic, causing congestion along Francisco Villa Avenue.

Leading the ceremony were General Jesús Alejandro Adame Cabrera, commander of the 41st Military Zone; Vice Admiral Manuel Roberto Farias Laguna, commander of the 12th Naval Zone; First Sub-Inspector Luis Mondragón Valdivia, coordinator of the 473rd National Guard Company; and City Secretary General, Felipe de Jesús Rocha.

Notable attendees included city council members Candelaria Tovar and María Elena Curiel; Eugenia López, president of the Municipal DIF; Gerardo Alonso, director of Puerto Vallarta’s Civil Protection and Fire Department; Jorge Escobell, DIF System director; Father Javier Santiago, parish priest of the San Miguel Arcángel church; Brenda Díaz, director of the Vallarta Institute of Culture; Marco Tulio Flores, municipal delegate of El Pitillal; and Luis Enrique Hurtado Gomar, director of the Transparency and Institutional Development Unit.

The flag was raised to half-mast, and an honor roll was called for the fallen heroes who defended the country at Perote, Chapultepec, Tlalpan, Popotla, and across Mexico.

**THE FIGHT TODAY IS AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME**

Lieutenant Colonel Juan Ramón Reyes Moreno delivered a stirring address, recalling how the brave Mexican soldiers were bayoneted, thrown against rocks, stabbed with rifle butts, or taken prisoner—all in defense of the nation’s sovereignty and dignity. He emphasized that the Niños Héroes have become an everlasting symbol of patriotism, and today, Mexicans face new battles:

“Though no less dangerous,” he said, “organized crime and drugs now threaten the future of our youth. These are enemies we must confront with the same resolve our ancestors showed in facing the invading forces. This is why the armed forces, together with the National Guard and civil authorities, remain firm in their commitment to protect Mexico and its young people, acting always with respect for the law and human rights.”

He urged the youth: “Be worthy heirs of the Niños Héroes’ legacy. Take advantage of the opportunities your nation offers and prepare to be tomorrow’s leaders. The future of Mexico is in your hands, and your country believes in you.” He called on all to follow the example of the Niños Héroes to build a stronger, more harmonious, and just nation for future generations.

The ninth motorized infantry battalion fired a volley of shots in tribute to the Niños Héroes of Chapultepec, followed by the singing of the Mexican national anthem and the anthem of the Heroic Military College.