[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 58 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION AT PIKE PARK

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cinco de 
Mayo celebration at Pike Park in Dallas, Texas.
  Cinco de Mayo is a day for special pride and remembrance for the 
Hispanic community. It's a reminder of the proud heritage of many 
Americans and the warm and growing friendship between two great 
nations. It's a day worth celebrating. Today we recognize the 
continuous efforts to bring the community together through the Pike 
Park Advisory Council and the Pike Park Preservation League.
  Originally called Summit Play Park, Pike Park was constructed in 1915 
and through the efforts of the Consul General from Mexico. The Mexican 
American children of the neighborhood were finally allowed to use the 
park and swimming pool in the mid 1930's
  The name changed in 1927 to Pike Park Recreation Center named after 
Mr. Edgar Pike, a member of the Dallas Park Board. Pike Park has served 
as the site of the ``Fiestas Patrias'' (Cinco de Mayo and Dies y Sies 
de Septiembre) since the late 1930's.
  Pike Park has also served as the bastion for civic and social events 
of the Mexican-American community for over 65 years.
  It is with great pride that I recognize the Pike Park Advisory 
Council and the Pike Park Preservation League are duly recognized as 
the future coordinators of the ``Fiestas Patrias''.

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