Chicago to sport red, white and green to honor Mexico

At a time when national passions are heated about illegal aliens from Mexico, the city of Chicago and state of Illinois are promoting an event to honor Mexican independence.

The celebration, called the "2nd Annual Mexican Independence Skyline Tribute," will feature prominent buildings throughout the Windy City being bathed in Mexico's national colors of red, white and green for six days beginning next Tuesday, Sept. 12.

It's receiving heavy promotion from organizers including Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, D-Ill., the Mexican Consulate and Univision radio host Javier Salas.

"The tribute recognizes the important role that Mexican-Americans have played in Chicago over the last century, from the early days of the railroad and stockyard industries through the steel mill boom to the present," a website promoting the tribute states. "Today, an estimated 550,000 Mexican-Americans live in the Chicago area."

At least 20 businesses and landmarks are slated to participate. Buildings including Sears Tower and the Wrigley Building will be illuminated with red and green lights, while other buildings and locations will spell out messages such as "VIVA VIVA."

The event began last year to mark the Sept. 16 Mexican national holiday.