CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF (CDS) ATTENDS THE SIX HEROIC CADETS ' MEMORIAL PARADE IN MEXICO
The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne who is on an official visit to Mexico attended the Six Heroic Cadets ' Memorial Parade on 13th of September. \r\n\r\nThis event is marked to commemorate Ninos Heroes (Spanish) and also known as the Heroic Cadets or Boy Soldiers, the six Mexican teenage military cadets died defending Mexico City 's Chapultepec Castle from invading U.S. forces on the 13 September 1847 in the Battle of Chapultepec, during the Mexican-American War. According to legend, in an act of bravery, Cadet Juan Escutia wrapped the Mexican flag around his body and jumped from the top of the castle in order to keep it from falling into the enemy 's hands.\r\n\r\nOn 5 March 1947 leading to the 100 year commemoration of Six Heroic Cadets, U.S. President Harry S. Truman placed a wreath at the monument and stood for a few moments of silent reverence. Asked by American reporters why he had gone to the monument, Truman said, \"Brave men don 't belong to any one country. I respect bravery wherever I see it.\"\r\n\r\nThe President of United Mexican States and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces His Excellency Enrique Pena Naito took the salute in this impressive Parade and Mexican National Flag flew half- mast for entire day in memory of these brave Cadets who paid supreme sacrifice for the Nation. Foreign Military dignitaries attended the Parade were included General Joseph F Dunford Jr, USMC the Chairman US Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest ranking Military Officer of United States of America\".
