The Mexican federal government published in todays Diario Oficial de la Federación (Official Gazette of the Federation), that the lead singer and principal song-writer for Irish rock band Paul David Hewson, better known as Bono, will receive the prestigious Orden Mexicana del Águila Azteca (Order of the Aztec Eagle), from Mexican President Felipe Calderon in a ceremony in New York City before the end of this month.
The importance of the Official Gazette responds to the mandate that all official government decrees, rules and regulations must be published in it and so only through this publication their compliance can become mandatory. Bono will receive the highest decoration awarded to foreigners in the country, as a reward to services rendered to Mexico or to mankind.
The 52-yeard old singer will receive the top Mexican award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts as one of the co-founders of the ONE Campaign, an international, nonpartisan, non-profit organization for increasing government founding for and effectiveness of international aid programs. Bono has been involved with providing help to that in need world-wide since 1979, and often meets with world political and religious leaders to achieve his goals. Last year he met with President Felipe Calderón and the two discussed the drug violence and poverty affecting Mexico. Bono writes almost all U2 lyrics, often using political, social, and religious themes, he is the worlds best know philanthropic performer ever.
Bono has received a number of awards for his music and political activism, including the Legion DHonneur from the French Government in 2003, TIME Magazine`s Person of the Year for 2005, and he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2007. His humanitarian efforts garnered nominations for the Nobel Prize for philanthropy in 2003, 2005 and 2006.
The Order of the Aztec Eagle, was established by the Mexican government in 1933. Previous recipients include Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, first ever elected South African president Nelson Mandela, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, former U.S. president Dwight Eisenhower, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Eduardo.Flores@sandiegored.com
