SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
The beloved festivities of Fiesta are just around the corner, and this year the U.S. Army Fiesta Military Ambassadors are looking forward to their chance to represent the U.S Army in this 11-day celebration held June 17th through 27th, throughout San Antonio, Texas.
In support of Fiesta, each service branch selects two members to represent their branch and this year's U.S. Army Fiesta Military Ambassadors are Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Murillo from the 5th U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, and Sgt. Alejandra Valdes from the 543rd Engineering Detachment with U.S. Army North.
Valdes, who was born and raised in San Antonio believes that Fiesta is a representation of the rich Spanish culture that fills the city and it is a great opportunity to share the music, food, and parades with everyone.
“As an ambassador we are representing the military, we are the face of the U.S. Army,” Valdes stated. “We represent the sacrifice soldiers make, and the professionalism we demonstrate in our day-to-day life.”
The military ambassadors attend a wide variety of events throughout the 11-day celebration of Fiesta.
“Being able to take in the whole experience is something I look forward to,” stated Murillo. “Already, I have gotten the chance to go to some events, and to be able to hear stories and shake hands with veterans and other community members is extremely meaningful.”
Fiesta has been a part of San Antonio since the First Battle of the Flowers parade in 1891. The community of San Antonio came together to witness the parade, their children dressed as flowers, and played friendly games of tossing flowers at each other. As time went on Fiesta grew, adding various events such as carnivals, balls, parades, contests, and much more.
Fiesta is not only San Antonio’s biggest celebration, but it is also a way to raise funds to provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year.
Fiesta has an economic impact of more than $340 million each year raised by the official Fiesta events.
San Antonio isn’t just home to Fiesta. The city officially trademarked the nickname Military City, USA ® in 2017, celebrating its rich military history and support to the service members that share their community.
The military has been a part of San Antonio since it was founded as the San Antonio de Bexar Presidio in 1718 and is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States and the Department of Defense’s largest medical centers. Employing nearly 80,000 people, Joint Base San Antonio also trains nearly 130,000 students a year.
The U.S. Army Fiesta Military Ambassadors Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Murillo and Sgt. Alejandra Valdes each look forward to this opportunity to build connections with the people they will meet and being able to represent the U.S. Army.
“Viva Fiesta!”