[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CINCO DE MAYO

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                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2006

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Cinco 
de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is not only a celebration of the victory of a 
small Mexican militia over the Napoleonic French forces at the Battle 
of Puebla in 1862, but also the commemoration of the friendship and 
goodwill that exists between the United States and Mexico to this day.
  Following the Mexican War of Independence, Mexico found itself 
heavily indebted to Spain, France, and England. England and Spain 
quickly settled their debts, but Napoleon saw this as an opportunity to 
expand his empire and reclaim a portion of the New WorId.
  France invaded Mexico in Veracruz, but was stopped from gaining 
passage to the Nations seed of government in Mexico City by General 
Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza and his small militia. Napoleon; however, would 
not be deterred. He sent 30,000 more troops and began a three month 
siege of Puebla, who finally surrendered and eventually took Mexico 
City. Napoleon appointed his cousin Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria as 
Emperor of Mexico. He was in power from 1864 until 1867 when the United 
States was able to provide assistance to Mexico after the conclusion of 
the Civil War and helped Mexico expel the French. Shortly after the 
French expulsion Maximilian was executed in Mexico.
  Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Pueblo in 1862 where General 
Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza and his small militia valiantly prevented the 
invasion of Mexico. This brave group of 4,500 men was able to prevent 
6,500 French soldiers from marching on to Mexico City.
  Mexico, and more recently, the United States both celebrate Cinco de 
Mayo. It represents a victory for the Mexican people and the beginning 
of a wonderful diplomatic relationship between the United States and 
Mexico that is not simply intertwined geographically but also 
culturally.
  As a Texan I have an added respect for General Ignacio Sequin 
Zaragoza. He was born near the town of Goliad, Texas on March 24, 1829. 
A ten foot stature honoring General Zaragoza was dedicated in Goliad, 
Texas as a gift from the Governor of Puebla, Mexico.

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