Feature: Mexico marks independent day, with Chinese Honor Guard participating in parade

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Feature: Mexico marks independent day, with Chinese Honor Guard participating in parade

By Liang Xizhi (Xinhua) 17:44, September 17, 2013

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Mexico held a military parade Monday to mark the 203rd anniversary of independence and the 100th birthday of the Army, with the participation of Honor Guard from China and other 17 countries.

President Pena Nieto toured aboard a military vehicle and gave his consent to start the traditional military parade. This was his first time to lead such an event in his six-year term as president.

Mexican Air Force aircraft swooped over the capital to start the parade, which included fighter-bombers, navy helicopters, and a squadron of six military aircraft that released colored smoke to draw Mexico's red, white and green national flag in the sky.

A total of 19,051 soldiers took part in the parade along Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma Avenue. Among them, 456 troops are from 18 guest nations including China, France, Russia, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Paraguay.

The audience gave thunderous cheers and applause when the Chinese soldiers passed by the Constitution Square.

In the Chinese array, a standard flag bearer and two escorts walked in the front. Following them was a commander, who led three rows of soldiers respectively representing the army, the navy and the air force.

"China! China!" some Mexican spectators shouted eagerly at the parading Chinese soldiers as they strode forward in strict formation with a valiant posture and synchronized steps.

Walking out of the square, the Honor Guard held high the Chinese national flag and continued along the Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, with many overseas Chinese in Mexico following them and singing the Chinese national anthem.

"Chinese People's Liberation Army Honor Guard once again raises our army's spirit out of the country, as well as the ambition of our overseas Chinese," compatriot Ma Runzhi said, adding that he felt very proud to stand beside the Chinese Honor Guard.

While for many Mexicans, they also felt excited to watch the Chinese soldiers' performance after their debut three years ago in Mexico's bicentennial independence parade.

A tourist who identified himself as Marco told Xinhua that it was his first time to watch the parade on the spot.

"The scene is very exciting. Chinese Honor Guard's performance really surprised me. The soldiers are very tall and their performance is incredibly great," he said.

Christina, a 17-year-old high school student, also highlighted the impression left by the Chinese Honor Guard to her.

"Chinese soldiers walked beautifully and behaved well. I felt grateful that Chinese troops and other foreign troops could participate in our independence parade."

The annual ceremony commemorates the start of the Independence War led by national hero Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 against Spain, which achieves victory in 1821.