[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 55 (Monday, May 6, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             CINCO DE MAYO

 Mrs. CARNAHAN. Madam President, I am proud to take this 
opportunity to recognize the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo. This 
holiday is a day to celebrate and appreciate Mexican history and 
culture. I would also urge all Americans to take this opportunity to 
learn more about the important contributions Mexicans and Mexican-
Americans have made to the United States.
  The Cinco de Mayo holiday dates back to the mid-19th century. In 
1862, the democratic nation of Mexico found itself under invasion from 
the French, led by Napoleon III. On its march to conquer Mexico, the 
French army met the Mexican army in the city of Puebla, just 100 miles 
east of Mexico City. On May 5, 1862, the ill-equipped and outnumbered 
Mexican army under Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza, would defy all 
odds and defeat the superior French army at the Batalla de Puebla. This 
defeat of the French, one of the strongest militaries in the world, 
would become a symbol of the strength and determination of the Mexican 
people.
  As immigration to the United States increased during the Mexican 
Revolution and in subsequent years, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans 
demonstrated these same qualities on the battlefield in defense of the 
American flag. They were among the first to volunteer for the U.S. 
armed forces during World War I and an estimated 375,000-500,000 
Mexican-American soldiers served with honor during World War II. Jose 
P. Martinez of Colorado would become the first American and one of many 
Mexican-Americans to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his 
heroism during World War II. Americans of Mexican descent would also 
serve in the wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, and the Gulf War. 
They continue to enlist in high numbers and remain committed to 
military service in defense of the United States.
  Military service is just one of countless contributions Mexicans and 
Mexican-Americans have made to the United States. Cesar Chavez's 
passion for justice and the right to organize resulted in improved 
living and working conditions for people in California and throughout 
the United States. Diego Rivera's artwork continues to inspire Latino 
artists as well as others to paint murals that beautify our cities and 
are available for the general public to appreciate. Missouri is also 
proud of one of its own, Hector Barreto, who currently serves as 
Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are 
currently 13 Mexican-American members in the House of Representatives 
and I look forward to the day when I will have Mexican-American 
colleagues here in the U.S. Senate as well.
  The same strength of character and determination that was displayed 
by the Mexican army at the Batalla de Puebla is evident in today's 
Mexican-American leaders in business, labor, not-for-profits, 
government, and in the arts. It is fitting that as we celebrate the 
Cinco de Mayo holiday, we also recognize the valuable cultural, social, 
and political contributions Mexicans and Mexican-Americans have made 
and continue to make in the United States.

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