Editorial
Battle of Ambos Nogales Tour group at La Roca. Photo courtesy of Jenny Didas.
I’ve just returned from our public history tour to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Ambos Nogales. It was a beautiful morning with a delightful group of sincerely interested companions who quickly became friends.
Nogales, Sonora Mayor Juan Francisco Gim addressing the public at the commemorative ceremony.
One of the most striking experiences of the day was the hospitality we received when we encountered the civil ceremony by the municipal government of Nogales, Sonora commemorating the historic battle.
Our companions and I were treated with such kindness: immediately being offered water, having chairs brought so that we could sit to listen in to the mayor speak, and even having our presence acknowledged by a subsequent speaker. An invitation to come to the cemetery where the fallen heroes of the day were buried was also extended to us.
It was clear our neighbors were delighted that we showed interest in their community. They were delighted that we took the time to come to their ceremony and that we care about our shared heritage. It was citizen-level diplomacy between neighbors in action and encouraged us of the importance of public educational work in the borderlands.
With that, we invite you to do something different, be a citizen diplomat with us in Río Sonora, Rocky Point, and Álamos. You will never know what friendship you can develop or what opportunities there are in life for you beyond our borders.
Alex