[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                             CINCO DE MAYO

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. I want to take time today to commemorate Cinco de 
Mayo, one of Mexico's most important holidays.
  On May 5, in 1862, Mexican forces repelled repeated French attacks on 
the Forts Loreta and Guadelupe.
  The importance of Cinco de Mayo is not merely that of a tactical win 
against greater forces, but the inspiration that the people took from 
their success. This inspiration and moral victory carried them through 
the next 5 years as they fought for their country.
  In the winter of 1861, France, Spain, and England sent fleets to 
Veracruz to collect on defaulted bond payments. The three countries 
stated that they had no intention of conquering Mexico.
  An agreement was reached between the four countries and the English 
and Spanish representatives left. The French, under Emperor Napoleon 
III, in their efforts to expand the French monarchy, stayed and 
attacked the Government of Mexico.
  On May 5, Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza led 2,000 Mexican soldiers in battle 
against 6,000 French and triumphed after serious losses. The victory 
that day was only the beginning. The war continued for 2 years and 
Mexico was ruled by the French for the next 3 years.
  The Mexican people shot the French ruler and took back their country 
on June 19, 1867.
  The people of Mexico celebrate the victory on May 5 and all that it 
represents every year with festivals, reenactments, parades, and 
ceremonies. Mexican-Americans in Illinois and all over the United 
States stage their own celebrations to honor the bravery of their 
ancestors and to celebrate Mexico's history.
  I want to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the soldiers who 
showed such courage and inspired such pride in their countrypeople on 
May 5, 1862. Viva Mexico. Feliz Cinco de Mayo.

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