Monday’s ceremony at the GatewayInternationalBridge between Brownsville and Matamoros was largely symbolic rather than literal, but the commemoration of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico is very real indeed, and deserves to be celebrated and nurtured. The history between our two sister nations has been complicated, but overall it has been positive and brought great benefits to both.
We trust the ties that bind our two countries remain strong.
U.S. and Mexican dignitaries, including Mexican Consul Juan Carlos Cué Vega, Matamoros Secretary General Carlos Ballesteros, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port Director Tater Ortiz, gathered at the bridge Monday to celebrate 200 years of ties between the two countries.
Of course, a border crossing is the logical place to hold such an event, although our local history is more complex. The Rio GrandeValley remained part of Mexico until Texas formally declared independence from Mexico in March 1836. The only U.S.-Mexico border two centuries ago was along the NechesRiver; even the land above Texas was unclaimed Indian Territory until Congress enacted the Indian Appropriations Act of 1889. Texas became part of the United States in December 1845.
Thus, the bonds between the people of the border, who are both separated and bound by the Rio Grande, goes back beyond two centuries, even before Spain began parceling out land along the river in the mid-1700s.
Our relationship has been complicated, with disputes that led to war in 1846 that ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. The countries have been at odds over such topics as land, slavery and other trade. Even today points of contention include immigration, drug interdiction efforts, tariffs, fishing rights and even common water sources.
However, those disagreements have been much like those of siblings, who might not find accord on everything but never lose the bonds of affection and interdependence. The U.S. and Mexico have long been strong allies despite our differences, and have one of the world’s largest international trade connections.
Brownsville City Commissioner Roy De los Santos, who represented the city at the ceremony, noted that “a lot of people use the word crisis when they talk about the border. Those of us who live here and who have lived here our entire lives know better.”
Here on the border our bonds are even closer, in which many families have members on both sides of the river and cross frequently to visit, shop or simply pass the time. Even our business operations are interdependent as in our maquila system, where parts and assembly plants, and the people who work in them, straddle the border as goods are made.
Clearly, the relationship between the United States and Mexico is symbiotic; together the two countries create an atmosphere of stability and respect for human rights that feeds a public sense of security and confidence that promotes individual achievement and success.
We join those who celebrate our two countries’ bonds, and look forward to many more years of cooperation and collaboration.
