[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 455 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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114th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 455

Recognizing the cultural and historic significance of the Cinco de Mayo 
                                holiday.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 28, 2016

   Mr. Bennet (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Reid, Mr. Menendez, Mrs. 
 Murray, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Udall, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Booker, 
    Mr. Gardner, Mr. Cruz, and Mr. Franken) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the cultural and historic significance of the Cinco de Mayo 
                                holiday.

Whereas May 5, or ``Cinco de Mayo'' in Spanish, is celebrated each year as a 
        date of importance by Mexican and Mexican-American communities;
Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5, 1862, the date on which 
        Mexicans defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla, 1 of the many 
        battles that the Mexican people won in their long and brave fight for 
        independence, freedom, and democracy;
Whereas the victory of Mexico over France at the Battle of Puebla represented a 
        historic triumph for the Mexican government during the Franco-Mexican 
        war of 1861-1867 and bolstered the resistance movement;
Whereas the success of Mexico at the Battle of Puebla reinvigorated the spirits 
        of the Mexican people and provided a renewed sense of unity and 
        strength;
Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat against any of the 
        finest troops of Europe in more than half a century, sustained a 
        disastrous loss at the hands of an outnumbered and ill-equipped, but 
        highly spirited and courageous, Mexican army;
Whereas the courageous spirit that Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza and his men 
        displayed during that historic battle can never be forgotten;
Whereas in a larger sense, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the right of a free people 
        to self-determination, just as Benito Juarez, the president of Mexico 
        during the Battle of Puebla, once said, ``El respeto al derecho ajeno es 
        la paz'', meaning ``respect for the rights of others is peace'';
Whereas the sacrifice of Mexican fighters was instrumental in keeping Mexico 
        from falling under European domination while, in the United States, the 
        Union Army battled Confederate forces in the Civil War;
Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder--

    (1) that the foundation of the United States was built by individuals 
from many countries and diverse cultures who were willing to fight and die 
for freedom; and

    (2) of the close ties between the people of Mexico and the people of 
the United States;

Whereas Cinco de Mayo encourages the celebration of a legacy of strong leaders 
        and a sense of vibrancy in communities; and
Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder to provide more opportunities for 
        future generations: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the historic struggle of the people of 
        Mexico for independence and freedom, which Cinco de Mayo 
        commemorates; and
            (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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