[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF CINCO DE MAYO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Cinco de Mayo, an 
important day in the Mexican community. In recent years the holiday of 
Cinco de Mayo or The Fifth Of May has gained much popularity in 
American culture. However, it is not, as many people believe a 
celebration of Mexican Independence. Mexico's actual Independence Day 
is September 16. Cinco de Mayo memorializes the Mexican army's triumph 
over the French at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo pays 
homage to an ill prepared militia of about 4,500 overcoming what 
appeared to be the insurmountable well outfitted French army of 6,500 
soldiers. This victory was a glorious moment in Mexican history, thus 
Cinco de Mayo is remembered.
  Cinco de Mayo's increased popularity is apparent in the innumerable 
celebrations along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that 
have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these 
areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, 
beverage and customs unique to Mexico. This date provides me with a 
welcome opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions being 
made by the growing Mexican-American communities across the United 
States. We in New York City and in my community are benefiting from the 
dynamic presence of this vibrant culture.
  It is important that on this day of remembrance that we do not let 
the message of triumph in the face of adversity be overridden by 
festivals, food, and music. Let us never forget the great contributions 
that Mexican-Americans have made and continue to make to our nation. 
Their presence is apparent in politics, arts, athletics, entertainment, 
military excellence, science, culinary arts, and embedded in the 
American language.
  On this important day we must recognize that the Mexican-American 
contribution to our nation is similar to the many other immigrant 
groups that came to our great nation with the same hopes of self-
betterment and the pursuit of the American Dream. On Thanksgiving we 
commemorate the Pilgrims and Native Americans overcoming the harshness 
of winter and settlement into the New World, which speaks to the 
overcoming the seemingly insuperable.
  Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the power of faith in the face of adversity. 
It is rooted in our nation's history that in order to achieve greatness 
we must find the power within ourselves and never give up. If we are 
able to work hard and never lose faith then the sky is the limit. It is 
this exact belief that Cinco de Mayo truly embodies. Thus, this date 
has yet to receive the official recognition that it deserves. I 
sincerely hope and believe that one day Cinco de Mayo will be a 
designated national holiday.

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