Culture is Fascinating! Did you know that in 1847 during the Mexican American War, six young boys sacrificed their lives to stop the U.S. in their invasion of Mexico? During the Battle of Chapultepec, General Winfield Scott was storming the hill atop which stood a military academy. According to accounts, young boys in the building were told to stand down by their leaders, but six of them insisted on fighting for their country. As they began to die, one of the boys, it is said, wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and leapt from the top of the building to his death. The U.S. halted the attack and the tide of the war turned. This heroism and noble sacrifice is something greatly admired in Mexico. There is a monument to the Ninos Heroes and their bravery. One hundred years after that event, President Harry Truman, on a visit to Mexico asked to stop at the monument and remember the young men. He said "Brave men don't belong to one country. I respect bravery wherever I see it." This one simple, significant act did more for U.S./ Mexican relations than ever before. In Mexico the headlines read: Truman heals an Old Wound Forever." and: "Friendship Begins Today." We don’t always realize the importance of the dignity of a people and what small acts can mean. Mexico has lived much of its history in the shadow of a larger power, including the U.S. and many of us do not know the real history between the two countries. Does it really matter to our 21st century business dealings? Global LT’s Cultural Training Programs - Dignity and Nobility: Mexico