Calexico honors its past with binational mural monument ceremony

Calexico residents commemorated their past as they broke ground for the future home of a Binational Mural Monument. What was once part of a friendship mural on the border fence, it will now be displayed at the plaza.

City leaders hope the monument can remind residents of how far they’ve come as a community.

“It’s a look at where we are, where we have been and where we’re going. And then from that, we can have a better understanding of ourselves as persons and human beings to each other,” said Ben Horton with the Calexico Chamber of Commerce.

It’s important to have a piece of the city’s history being honored so they can be inspired to forge their own.

Carmen Durazo, Calexico Art Commission said, “So history, it has to be alive and brought back so people will remember what it is. Respected, and make their own history as we move forward.”

The monument is a reminder of the community coming together for a common goal.

Mayor of Calexico Maritza Hurtado said, “We’re going to have something that is a creation by all and something that is beautiful to be honored and respected here at the park by all.”

The city hopes to unveil the Binational Monument in three weeks.