Mexican independence leader to be honored in ceremony

A hero of Mexico's independence will be honored Monday in a ceremony at the Heritage Park Library in Yuma.

A bust of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, given to the city by Mexico's government in 2010 as part of the observance of that nation's bicentennial, will be decorated with a floral wreath in the ceremony organized by the Mexican Consulate in Yuma.

The celebration starts at 10 a.m. at the library park at 3rd Street and 4th Avenue and is open to the public. It is one of the events held as part of the celebration of Mexico's Sept. 16 independence day and of Hispanic Heritage Month, which continues through Oct. 15.

Morelos, a priest, led Mexico's struggle for independence from Spain from 1811 until 1815, when he was eventually captured by the Spaniards.