Editor’s Note: U.S Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis led a Presidential delegation to attend the Bicentennial of México last week. She along with guests, attended a number of cultural events and meet with México’s President Felipe Calderón. As part of her visit she recorded “diary” of her experiences and relate in detail what she saw, how she felt and relate it to the importance of our nation’s relationship with the country of México.
My Latino heritage has always been a source of pride for me. It a major part of who I am, and enriches my every experience.
Every summer, when I was growing up in Southern California, my father ¬¬– who was born in the U.S. but moved to México as a child — would pack up our whole family, including my mother and my six brothers and sisters, and drive for several days to visit relatives in Veracruz and México City.
So, I could not help but think about my father as I boarded the plane at Andrews Air Force Base to lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation for the Celebration of the Bicentennial of México. Sure, I know my dad is proud of me and what I have accomplished. But I also know that, deep in his heart, leading a delegation to México ranks as one of the most important thing I’ve ever done. I know that he’s feeling a great deal of satisfaction that his “all-American” daughter is returning “home” as the highest ranking Latina in President Barack Obama’s cabinet.
To be honest, the significance of this trip is not just personal. The U.S. Department of Labor, which I head, has an important relationship with México. We are actively engaged with Mexican labor authorities in a dialogue on improving ...