Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The city of Edinburg recently celebrated an outstanding achievement: winning the prestigious All-America City Award for the fourth time. This report provides a detailed story of the celebration event, which had key speeches, recognitions, and the overall impact of this accolade on the community.
The event began with an invocation led by Mayor ProTem Dan Diaz, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilman Jason De Leon. The renowned Jacob from Mariachi Aztlan then led the National Council, setting a tone of pride and unity for the proceedings.
Mayor ProTem Dan Diaz delivered a heartfelt prayer, expressing gratitude for the city’s fourth All-America City title. The invocation emphasized the community’s unity, strength, and perseverance. Diaz thanked the dedicated delegates, residents, and city employees for their contributions and sought continued blessings for Edinburg’s future.
The mayor and council members thanked the community, acknowledging that this achievement was a joint effort. They recognized the leadership and dedication of various individuals and groups that contributed to this success.
Congressman Gonzalez sent a congratulatory message highlighting the city’s dedication to civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation. He emphasized that Edinburg’s recognition extended beyond South Texas to the national level.
Representative Monica de la Cruz’s office, through Mr. Ruben Villarreal, presented a symbolic flag that flew over the nation’s capital, celebrating Edinburg’s contribution to the district, state, and nation.
Carlos Gutierrez, District Director for Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, read a proclamation from the Texas Senate. The proclamation acknowledged Edinburg’s hard work and dedication and the city’s exemplary status as a model of unity and progress.
State Representative Bobby Guerra presented a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives praising Edinburg’s vibrant and safe community. He reminisced about the city’s growth and his connection to Edinburg.
Celeste Uribe from Representative Terry Canales’ office read a comprehensive proclamation and presented a state flag, highlighting the city’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and public service.
The event included individual recognitions for delegates who represented Edinburg in the All-America City competition. The mayor and council presented plaques to various contributors, including members of the 2040 committees, cultural arts representatives, and city employees who played crucial roles in the presentation and logistics.
Roxanna Lerma’s outstanding performance earned her the recognition of Ramiro Garza Jr., the Mayor of Edinburg, and the City Commission. During the celebration, Mayor Garza took to the podium to present a plaque to Lerma, Director of Communications & Media. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “She’s not going to give herself an award, but I’m going to take an opportunity to read what everybody got. This is the recognition, and I’m going to read it now. On behalf of Edinburg, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your contributions to helping our community achieve the National Civic League’s 2024 All-America City Award in Denver, Colorado. Your efforts and actions embody the true spirit of Edinburg for everyone. As you can see, she was the leader. I will call her the quarterback of our All-America City delegation to go to Denver. And that’s Ms. Roxanne. Let’s give her a hand.”
Mayor Garza emphasized Roxanne Lerma’s crucial role in the city’s success, likening her to a closer in baseball who seals the victory. He praised her storytelling ability, noting, “When we were discussing how we would portray our city and tell our story, I had no doubt we needed someone like Roxanne to close it. She knows how to tell a story, and she knows how to tell our story.” Lerma was instrumental in crafting the scripts and ensuring the delegation’s presentation resonated with the judges. Mayor Garza concluded by thanking her on behalf of the entire community, acknowledging her central role in securing the prestigious award for Edinburg.
The event concluded with the mayor’s final remarks, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and community pride. A group photo commemorated the occasion, symbolizing the community’s unity and shared achievement.
The celebration of Edinburg’s fourth All-America City Award was a historic event, an example of their dedication, unity, and commitment to excellence. The speeches, recognitions, and overall atmosphere stressed the importance of civic engagement and community collaboration. This prestigious honor highlights Edinburg’s achievements and sets a foundation for continued growth and success.
Recommendations for Future Growth
- Continued Civic Engagement: Maintain and expand initiatives like the 2040 committees and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council to foster ongoing community involvement.
- Celebrating Diversity: Promote events like the Miracle Mile and Culture Fest to continue celebrating the city’s cultural diversity.
- Community Storytelling: Encourage residents to share their stories, strengthening community bonds and preserving Edinburg’s rich history.
- Future Planning: Build on the momentum of this achievement by setting new goals for community development and innovation.
The celebration of this award recognized past achievements and inspired future efforts to maintain Edinburg’s status as an exemplary community.
