15 Oct Honduran Independence Day

September 15^th is Independence Day in all the Central American countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This date commemorates the signing of the Act of Independence of Central America in 1821, which declared their freedom from Spain. This day has deep cultural ties in our community. Each school works for weeks ahead of the date to prepare for a series of parades that begin 3 days before the 15^th, featuring the different age groups. The competition is intense, although no one gets publicly recognized for having the best uniforms, bands, floats, etc. At the end of the event, everyone knows who the winners are as an intense critical eye is the judge. This competition and national pride have deep roots and has existed for many, many years. It is a joy to watch the pride in the faces of parents as their children march in the parade just as they and their parents did in years past. The honor of marching is bestowed on the students with the highest grades, making it especially significant to the hard working parents who sacrifice to keep their children in school.  One of our own had the honor of marching this year.