KVOA

Posted: Feb 9, 2010 2:51 PM
Updated: Feb 9, 2010 7:10 PM

CORPSU CHRISTI - Sail South Texas 2010 and H-E-B are partnering to present a unique Independence Day celebration this year.

A squadron of Tall Ships from the United States, Mexico, and two South American nations, will visit Naval Station Ingleside from July 12, to July 5th.

Organizers say the event will be a unique combination of celebrations - The United States Fourth of July observance, The Bicentennial of Independence from Spain for Latin American Nations, and the official Transfer of Naval Station Ingleside back to the Port of Corpus Christi.

A grand fleet of South America's tall ships will circumnavigate their continent to celebrate two centuries of sovereignty, and then a select squadron of ships -- including the Esmeralda from Chile, the Captain Miranda from Uruguay, and the Cuauhtemoc from Mexico --  will sail to Corpus Christi.

When they arrive here, they will be joined by the  Eagle, the U.S. Coast Guard's tall ship.

H-E-B has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the event.

During a news conference this morning, spokeswoman Shelly Parks, said the event will be a phenomenal opportunity to educate ourselves and our children on cultural diversity, and H-E-B jumped at the chance to participate as a sponsor.