Statues May Honor Famous Mexicans

Heroes and other historical figures from Mexico could soon have a public space in Dallas where Mexicans and their descendants can pay tribute to them.

Under a plan coordinated by city officials, community leaders and the Mexican consul-general in Dallas, the statues of at least eight Mexican heroes would be on permanent display at Winnetka Park in West Dallas, the recreational center where the statue of former Mexican President Benito Juarez is displayed.

“It will be a rotunda dedicated to the heroes of Mexican history,” said Carlos Garcia De Alba, the Mexican consul-general.

He said the display, to be named “La Rotonda de los Mexicanos Ilustres,” could be the first of its kind in the U.S.

Steve Salazar, council member for the district that includes Winnetka Park, said the plan is under way but officials are waiting for a design from the city’s parks department to begin construction.

“We already have the square. They’re thinking of expanding it to include other statues and monuments of Mexican heroes,” Mr. Salazar said.

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Mr. De Alba said other important Mexicans are under consideration for the display, including poet Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, independence figures Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, Vicente Guerrero and Ignacio Zaragoza, and revolutionary Emiliano Zapata.

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In a community made up largely of Hispanics, the project makes sense, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Elba Garcia said.

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