The Webb County Heritage Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of James E. Moore as the President of the Republic of the Rio Grande for 2024. This honorary position is awarded annually to individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Laredo along the Rio Grande.

Moore will be officially inaugurated as President of the Republic of the Rio Grande during a celebratory luncheon hosted by the Webb County Heritage Foundation on Saturday, March 9th at 12 noon at the IBC Annex Building.

As is tradition, the newly appointed President has selected individuals to serve as cabinet members, representing key historical figures from the original republic's administration. The cabinet members for 2024 are as follows:

From left: Liz Gomez Padilla representing Juan Francisco Farias, Secretary; Ernesto Lopez representing Juan Nepomuceno Molano, delegate for Tamaulipas; Rev. Paul Frey representing Antonio Canales, Commander-in-Chief of the Army; James Moore representing Jesús Cardenas, President; Baldomero Puig, III representing Manuel Nina, Quartermaster General; Lupita Zepeda representing Manuel María de Llano, delegate for Nuevo Leon; Mario Guzman representing Francisco Vidaurri y Villaseñor, Vice-President and delegate for Coahuila; and Minerva Santos representing Col. Antonio Zapata, Commander of the Cavalry.

In addition, the annual presentation of Heritage Awards will honor those individuals and organizations that have shown outstanding commitment to preserving our community’s history and heritage.

For those interested in attending the President of the Republic of the Rio Grande Inaugural Event, table reservations and tickets are available. For more information, please contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation at 956-727-0977.