[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ON THE CINCO DE MAYO HOLIDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2007

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the 
historic holiday of Cinco de Mayo.
  On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin 
defeated French occupying forces in the Battle of Puebla, just 100 
miles from Mexico City. General Seguin led his brave troops to a 
spirited victory in spite of the fact that his forces had neither the 
manpower nor the equipment of their opponents. The Battle of Puebla was 
instrumental in preserving the right of the Mexican people to self-
determination, as it helped prevent the French military from taking 
long-term control of sovereign Mexican territory.
  The heroic actions of General Seguin and his courageous forces not 
only helped preserve the Mexican government, they also helped preserve 
the unity of the United States. Had France been able to extend its 
control over Mexican territory at the Battle of Puebla, France likely 
would have had sufficient resources and manpower to aid the Confederate 
States of America in their war against the United States. The 
tremendous fight put up by the Mexican troops at the Battle of Puebla 
ensured that such a worrisome scenario did not come to pass and 
provided President Lincoln with crucial support as the Civil War 
descended into chaos.
  There can certainly be no questioning of the bravery, spirit and 
patriotism of the thousands of Mexican troops who fought and, all too 
frequently, gave their lives at the Battle of Puebla. I believe that, 
as we recognize the efforts and sacrifices of those troops, Cinco de 
Mayo provides us with a perfect opportunity to recognize the sacrifice 
for sovereignty, the importance of courage and, above all, the 
universal yearning for freedom.
  The Mexican forces who won the Battle of Puebla should not and will 
not ever be forgotten. I commend those forces for their spirit and 
courage and I wish all those celebrating the holiday across Mexico and 
the United States a happy Cinco de Mayo.

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