Writing Prompt #6

One of the countries that I found through my family tree was Mexico. My great

grandparents on my mother's side were from Chihuahua, Mexico. The flag of Mexico has the

color green, white, and red. It has even vertical stripes with those colors in that order and has the

national coat of arms charged in the center of the white stripe. The Mexican flag is full of

national symbolism. The green stripe represents the Independence Movement. The white stripe

represents the purity of the Catholic faith. The red stripe represents the Spaniards that joined in

the quest for Independence and the blood of the national heroes and the emblem-shield

symbolizes the Aztec heritage. (Pariona) The flag has undergone some changes since the original

one was made. The original is very similar to the one used today, but the eagle is not shown with

a snake but wearing a crown. In 1823, the design was modified to include the snake, although the

eagle was in a different pose, facing the other direction. It underwent minor changes in 1916 and

1934 before the current version was officially adopted in 1968. (The Price of Freedom: Mexican

Flag)

Mexicos national anthem is called "Mexicanos, al Grito de Guerra in English it is

translated to Mexicans, at the cry of war. At the time the anthem was written, Mexico was still

facing the effects of the defeat in the Mexican-American War. The country felt demoralized and

divided, due to the cession of more than half of its territory. According to historian Javier

Garciadiego, the anthem disregards divisions and strife and encourages national unity. (Himno

Nacional Mexicano)

If I wanted to become a Mexican citizen, I would first have to apply as a temporary

resident because I don't meet any of the qualifications for direct permanent residency. I would
have to wait four years and then apply for permanent residency. There are many different ways

that one can become a Mexican citizen. They have different rules and regulations for people who

have family members over in Mexico, for example, if you have a grandparent, parent, daughter,

son or grandchildren you can apply for direct permanent residency. You also can apply for

permanent residency if you are pensioned or retired and are able to provide adequate monthly

income through investments, savings or pensions; are seeking political asylum. (Henderson)

Henderson, A. (2017, January 18). How to get residency and dual citizenship in Mexico.

Retrieved March 14, 2017, from http://nomadcapitalist.com/2016/03/21/get-residency-

dual-citizenship-mexico/

Himno Nacional Mexicano. (2017, March 14). Retrieved March 14, 2017, from https://

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himno_Nacional_Mexicano

Pariona, A. (2016, October 17). What Do The Colors Of The Mexican Flag Mean? Retrieved

April 24, 2017, from

http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-do-the-colors-of-the-mexican-flag-mean.html

The Price of Freedom: Mexican Flag. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2017, from http://

amhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/collection/object.asp?ID=235