All roads lead to Mexico this August

The International AIDS Conference in Mexico City this August promises to be big and key in the continued fight against AIDS. According to the organisers, the conference will provide among many things, strong evidence to influence leaders, including key policy makers and donors, to increase their commitment to HIV and AIDS prevention, care and treatment, undertake responsible action and be more accountable.

Now, if you are a delegate during the conference, while in Mexico, you will be sure to hear the lyrics of the National Anthem of Mexico part of which we share below. The anthem was officially adopted in 1943 and alludes to Mexico’s victories in battle. The battle against AIDS as you know continues. There has been no complete victory yet on this one.

Mexicans, at the cry of war,
prepare the steel and the steed,
and may the earth shake at its core
to the resounding roar of the cannon.

Gird, oh country, your brow with olive
the divine archangel of peace,
for your eternal destiny was written
in the heavens by the hand of God.

But if some strange enemy should dare
to profane your ground with his step,
think, oh beloved country, that heaven
has given you a soldier in every son.

War, war without truce to any who dare
to tarnish the country's coat-of-arms!

War, war! Take the national pennants
and soak them in waves of blood.

War, war! In the mountain, in the valley,
the cannons thunder in horrid unison

and the resonant echoes
cry out Union,
Liberty!

am/bp